(633e) Flexible Neural Implant From Microfabricated Lbl Nanocomposite

Current neural prosthetic devices induce chronic inflammation due to mismatched mechanical properties with neural tissue and large size of the implants. A flawless integration of tissue/device interface requires a new generation of neural devices fabricated from flexible materials with a combination of record mechanical and electrical performance.  In addition to these fundamental challenges, the development of such materials must be combined with their integration with micromanufacturing techniques and innovative methods of implantation.  Despite tremendous activity in the area of neural interfaces with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), fully functioning microdevices fabricated from CNTs have not been realized.  In this study, we demonstrate the possibility of tissue-integrated devices from a CNT nanocomposite. In vivo evaluation demonstrated their functionality by successful registration of brain activity.  This study opens the door for different nanocomposites to be used in tissue-mimetic electrodes for long-term brain-machine interface.