Stability Study of Synthetic Diamond Using a Thermally Controlled Biological Environment: Application towards Long-Lasting Neural Prostheses

Abstract

This paper demonstrates, for the first time, the stability of synthetic diamond as a passive layer within neural implants. Leveraging the exceptional biocompatibility of intrinsic nanocrystalline diamond, a comprehensive review of material aging analysis in the context of in-vivo implants is provided. This work is based on electric impedance monitoring through the formulation of an analytical model that scrutinizes essential parameters such as the deposited metal resistivity, insulation between conductors, changes in electrode geometry, and leakage currents. The evolution of these parameters takes place over an equivalent period of approximately 10 years. The analytical model, focusing on a fractional capacitor, provides nuanced insights into the surface conductivity variation. A comparative study is performed between a classical polymer material (SU8) and synthetic diamond. Samples subjected to dynamic impedance analysis reveal distinctive patterns over time, characterized by their physical degradation. The results highlight the very high stability of diamond, suggesting promise for the electrode’s enduring viability. To support this analysis, microscopic and optical measurements conclude the paper and confirm the high stability of diamond and its strong potential as a material for neural implants with long-life use.

Keywords

• polycrystalline diamond
• neural prosthesis
• impedance spectroscopy
• accelerated aging
• passivated layer
• electrodes