Stability of Protein-PEDOT:PSS Coating for Implantable Electrodes

Medical devices that are implanted into the human body allow for continuous medical monitoring and intervention, such as stimulation, recording, and drug delivery. Cardiac pacemakers and insulin pumps are examples of novel technology implanted for long-term treatment. For the treatment of neurological disorders, recent advances in neuroengineering consider the use of implantable electrodes. However, these electrodes have yet to be safely implanted for extended periods and provide efficient electrical impulses (stimulation) to brain tissue. Scientists, engineers and clinicians from the University of Cambridge and McGill will cooperate to create a protein-based coating for electrodes and track the aging of the electrodes in environments like that of the human brain. The use of proteins, whose properties allow for the creation of soft and resistant materials, is thought to be a newfound solution to the long-standing problem of device stability and longevity. This project will open up new avenues for fabricating better biomedical devices and eventually contribute to safely treating diseases like Parkinson’s and Crohn’s disease, suppressing epileptic seizures, and more.

Faculty Supervisor:

Noemie-Manuelle Dorval Courchesne

Student:

Partner:

University of Cambridge

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

McGill University

Program: