An Open Source, Microfabricated, Self Closing Cuff Electrode with Conductive Polymer Coating for Improved Electrochemical Performance

We present the first open-source cuff electrode enhanced with conductive polymer coating for clinical bioelectronic medicine applications targeting the autonomic nervous system. A three-dimensional (3D) Parylene-based cuff for recording from or stimulating branched nerves (<1 mm ø) modified by electrodepositing poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) was realized. To prepare devices for in vivo studies and realize a clinical cuff for the OpenN erve system [1], [2], a coating protocol was developed for 2D and 3D electrode surfaces, performed before or after thermoforming of the cuff structure, respectively. The long-term electrochemical performance and the topographical properties of the electrodes were assessed. This study represents a step forward in the development of a reliable, open-source cuff electrode for small-diameter peripheral nerves in clinical applications.