Hydrophobic Surface Coatings for the Functionalization of Stimulation Electrodes

Abstract This study examines hydrophobic surface coatings for stimulation electrodes to mitigate foreign body reactions and encapsulation. Electrospinning of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) resin is explored to create fiber structures for electrode coatings. PDMS resin is succesfully processed into fiber mats. Electrospun PDMS fiber structures showed an increased water contact angle (124 °/125 °) in comparison to a cast flat film (102 °). To further increase hydrophobicity, the fabrication process of Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Surface (SLIPS) systems with a polyurethane substrate and different natural lubricants is assessed with promising results in an increase in water contact angles up to 11°. The findings suggest the potential of these surface coatings to enhance the performance and safety of stimulation electrodes.