Ion conducting polymer microelectrodes for interfacing with neural networks.

We have examined the stimulation and recording properties of conjugated polymer microelectrode arrays as interfaces with neural networks of dissociated cortical cells. In particular the stimulation properties were investigated as a means of supplying a neural network with information. The stimulation efficiency at low stimulation voltages was evaluated and referenced to bare indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. The polymer electrodes were electrochemically polymerized from a blend of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT-PSS) and ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) onto ITO microelectrodes. Dissociated cortical cells were then plated on the electrodes and cultivated to form neural networks. Polymer electrode stimulation evoked a much greater response from the network than stimulation from ITO electrodes. Neural interfaces using polymer electrodes could be maintained for several months.