Optimizing Flexible Microelectrode Designs for Enhanced Efficacy in Electrical Stimulation Therapy
Lihong Qi,
Zeru Tao,
Mujie Liu,
Kai Yao,
Jiajie Song,
Yuxuan Shang,
Dan Su,
Na Liu,
Yongwei Jiang,
Yuheng Wang
Affiliations
Lihong Qi
Ningbo Zhenhai People’s Hospital Health Management Center, Ningbo 315202, China
Zeru Tao
Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Ningbo 315100, China
Mujie Liu
Health Science Center, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Kai Yao
Health Science Center, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Jiajie Song
Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Department of Radiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
Yuxuan Shang
Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Department of Radiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
Dan Su
Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Department of Radiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
Na Liu
Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Department of Radiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
Yongwei Jiang
Ningbo Zhenhai People’s Hospital Health Management Center, Ningbo 315202, China
Yuheng Wang
Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Department of Radiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
To investigate the impact of electrode structure on Electrical Stimulation Therapy (EST) for chronic wound healing, this study designed three variants of flexible microelectrodes (FMs) with Ag-Cu coverings (ACCs), each exhibiting distinct geometrical configurations: hexagonal, cross-shaped, and serpentine. These were integrated with PPY/PDA/PANI (3/6) (full name: polypyrrole/polydopamine/polyaniline 3/6). Hydrogel dressing comprehensive animal studies, coupled with detailed electrical and mechanical modeling and simulations, were conducted to assess their performance. Results indicated that the serpentine-shaped FM outperformed its counterparts in terms of flexibility and safety, exhibiting minimal thermal effects and a reduced risk of burns. Notably, FMs with metal coverings under 3% demonstrated promising potential for optoelectronic self-powering capabilities. Additionally, simulation data highlighted the significant influence of hydrogel non-uniformity on the distribution of electrical properties across the skin surface, providing critical insights for optimizing EST protocols when employing hydrogel dressings.
