On the chemical modification of pacemaker electrodes and patterned surface functionalization of planar substrates.

We report on experiments towards the chemical modification of metal electrodes in order to enhance biocompatibility or improve cell adhesion properties. In the first example pacemaker electrodes were modified with a thin polysiloxane network which allowed for further derivatization with a poly(ethylene glycol) layer. The primary goal was to suppress inflammatory response of tissue after implantation of electrodes. FTIR, ESCA and a.c.-impedance spectroscopy show the integrity of the ultrathin membrane. No significant reduction of the electrode capacitance was observed, providing further proof for the deposition of a homogeneously thin membrane. The second example deals with the patterned chemical modification of planar surfaces. The goal was to eventually effect selective adhesion of electrosensitive cells above microelectrodes for stimulation and/or recording. First results demonstrate the compatibility of monolayer deposition techniques with common photolithography. It is thus possible to create surfaces with patterned chemical functionality. A gas-phase silylation process was developed in order to control more precisely surface hydration and reaction parameters than is possible with common solution-based silylation procedures.