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Long‐Term Implantable, Flexible, and Transparent Neural Interface Based on Ag/Au Core–Shell Nanowires
Author(s) -
Araki Teppei,
Yoshida Fumiaki,
Uemura Takafumi,
Noda Yuki,
Yoshimoto Shusuke,
Kaiju Taro,
Suzuki Takafumi,
Hamanaka Hiroki,
Baba Kousuke,
Hayakawa Hideki,
Yabumoto Taiki,
Mochizuki Hideki,
Kobayashi Shingo,
Tanaka Masaru,
Hirata Masayuki,
Sekitani Tsuyoshi
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced healthcare materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.288
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 2192-2659
pISSN - 2192-2640
DOI - 10.1002/adhm.201900130
Subject(s) - optogenetics , materials science , biocompatibility , optical transparency , microelectrode , nanotechnology , biomedical engineering , transmittance , optoelectronics , electrode , neuroscience , medicine , chemistry , metallurgy , biology
Neural interfaces enabling light transmittance rely on optogenetics to control and monitor specific neural activity, thereby facilitating deeper understanding of intractable diseases. This study reports the material strategy underlying an optogenetic neural interface comprising stretchable and transparent conductive tracks and capable of demonstrating high biocompatibility after long‐term (5‐month) implantation. Ag/Au core–shell nanowires contribute toward improving track performance in terms of stretchability (<60% strain), transparency (<83%), and electrical resistance (15 Ω sq −1 ). The neural interface integrated with gel‐coated exterior microelectrodes preserves low impedance (1.1–3.2 Ω cm 2 ) in a saline solution over the evaluated 5‐month period. Besides the use of efficient conductive materials, surface treatment using antithrombogenic polymer tends to prevent the growth of granulation tissue, thereby facilitating clear monitoring of electrocorticograms (ECoG) in a rodent during chronic implantation. The flexible and transparent neural interface pathologically exhibits noncytotoxicity and low inflammatory response while efficiently recording evoked ECoG in a nonhuman primate via optogenetic stimulation. The proposed highly reliable interface can be employed in multifaceted approaches for translational research based on chronic implants.