3D microelectrode device for live tissue applications
Inventors
GUVANASEN, GARETH S. • Rajaraman, Swaminathan • AGUILAR, JR., RICARDO • Guo, Liang • NICHOLS, T. RICHARD • DeWeerth, Stephen P.
Assignees
Georgia Tech Research Corp • Biocircuit Technologies Inc
Publication Number
US-9248273-B2
Publication Date
2016-02-02
Expiration Date
2033-06-17
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Abstract
A 3D microelectrode device includes a flexible substrate containing poly-dimethyl siloxane (PDMS). The device may be fabricated in a miniature form factor suitable for attachment to a small organ such as a lateral gastrocnemius muscle of a live rat. In addition to providing a miniaturized, conformable attachment, the device provides an anchoring action via one or more microelectrodes, each having an insertable tip particularly shaped to provide the anchoring action. Furthermore, a base portion of each of the microelectrodes is embedded inside conductive poly-dimethyl siloxane (cPDMS). The cPDMS is contained in a pad that is coupled to a conductive track embedded in the flexible substrate. Embedding of the base portion inside the cPDMS material not only allows the microelectrode to bend in various directions, but also provides good electrical conductivity while eliminating the need for attachment processes using solder or epoxy adhesives.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a 3D microelectrode device featuring a flexible substrate composed of poly-dimethyl siloxane (PDMS) and embedded tracks made from conductive poly-dimethyl siloxane (cPDMS). The device can be fabricated in a miniature form factor suitable for attachment to small organs, such as the lateral gastrocnemius muscle of a live rat. The flexible substrate allows the device to conform three-dimensionally to surfaces susceptible to movement, such as live tissue or organs.
A distinguishing feature of the device is its microelectrode structure. Each microelectrode includes a base portion anchored in the cPDMS material, a longitudinal portion, and an insertable tip specifically shaped to provide anchoring within the target tissue. The insertable tip may have a leading portion for tissue penetration and a trailing portion for anchoring in situ. The cPDMS pad holding the base allows the microelectrode to bend in multiple directions, maintains electrical conductivity, and eliminates the need for soldering or epoxy adhesives commonly required in prior art devices.
The invention addresses limitations in prior microelectrode devices, which used rigid substrates or lacked intrinsic tissue anchoring, making them unsuitable for miniaturized or conformable implantation on small or irregularly shaped organs. The device's miniature scale, intrinsic anchoring via electrode tip design, and conformable, biocompatible materials overcome these shortcomings, enabling secure and versatile implantation for live tissue applications.
Claims Coverage
There are two main independent inventive features outlined in the claims.
Implantable device with conformable flexible PDMS substrate and anchoring microelectrode
The device comprises: - A flexible substrate configured for three-dimensional conformance with a live organ, muscle, or tissue susceptible to movement. - At least one track embedded in the flexible substrate for conducting an electrical signal, where the track comprises conductive poly-dimethyl siloxane (cPDMS) material. - At least one microelectrode with a base portion (shaped for anchoring in the cPDMS), a longitudinal portion, and an insertable tip having a leading portion configured for penetrating an outer surface of the organ, muscle, or tissue.
Implantable device with array configuration of microelectrodes and cPDMS tracks
The device further includes: - A plurality of signal-conducting tracks embedded in the flexible substrate, each comprising cPDMS material. - A plurality of microelectrodes arranged in an array configuration, each comprising a base portion (for anchoring in the cPDMS material) and a protruding portion (for penetrating and anchoring within tissue).
The inventive features are centered on a flexible PDMS-based implantable device with embedded cPDMS tracks and microelectrodes specially shaped and anchored for secure implantation and optimal electrical performance, including both singular and array configurations.
Stated Advantages
Enables miniaturized and conformable attachment to small organs or tissues.
Provides intrinsic anchoring action via microelectrode tip and base design, ensuring secure implantation.
Allows the microelectrode to bend in various directions for accommodation of tissue movement.
Eliminates the need for solder or epoxy adhesives for attachment, reducing complexity and potential failure points.
Maintains good electrical conductivity even under tensile strain due to the properties of cPDMS.
Offers a lower Young's modulus relative to traditional materials, potentially reducing scar-tissue encapsulation.
Documented Applications
Attachment to a small organ such as a lateral gastrocnemius muscle of a live rat.
Placement on a kidney or a brain of a rat.
Use as an implantable package configured to be inserted under the tissue surface.
Interfacing with a device for containing and testing cells in-vitro.
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