Issue 6, 2016

Soft implantable microelectrodes for future medicine: prosthetics, neural signal recording and neuromodulation

Abstract

Implantable devices have provided various potential diagnostic options and therapeutic methods in diverse medical fields. A variety of hard-material-based implantable electrodes have been developed. However, several limitations for their chronic implantation remain, including mechanical mismatches at the interface between the electrode and the soft tissue, and biocompatibility. Soft-material-based implantable devices are suitable candidates for complementing the limitations of hard electrodes. Advances in microtechnology and materials science have largely solved many challenges, such as optimization of shape, minimization of infection, enhancement of biocompatibility and integration with components for diverse functions. Significant strides have also been made in mechanical matching of electrodes to soft tissue. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in soft-material-based implantable electrodes for medical applications, categorized according to their implantation site and material composition. We then review specific applications in three categories: neuroprosthetics, neural signal recording, and neuromodulation. Finally, we describe various strategies for the future development and application of implantable, soft-material-based devices.

Graphical abstract: Soft implantable microelectrodes for future medicine: prosthetics, neural signal recording and neuromodulation

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
20 Jul 2015
Accepted
10 Feb 2016
First published
11 Feb 2016

Lab Chip, 2016,16, 959-976

Soft implantable microelectrodes for future medicine: prosthetics, neural signal recording and neuromodulation

J. H. Lee, H. Kim, J. H. Kim and S. Lee, Lab Chip, 2016, 16, 959 DOI: 10.1039/C5LC00842E

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