Evaluation of XXXX / @entity505 nanotube neural electrode coatings for stimulation in the dorsal root ganglion.

@entity522 @entity18694 @entity1711 @entity619 @entity11654 @entity1710 @entity2277 @entity18695 @entity505 @entity528
Objective. The dorsal root ganglion is an attractive target for implanting neural electrode arrays that restore sensory function or provide therapy via stimulation. However, penetrating microelectrodes designed for these applications are small and deliver low currents. For long-term performance of microstimulation devices, novel coating materials are needed in part to decrease impedance values at the electrode-tissue interface and to increase charge storage capacity. Approach. Conductive polymer @entity18694 ( @entity18695 ) and multi-wall @entity505 nanotubes (CNTs) were coated on the electrode surface and doped with the anti-inflammatory drug, @entity619 . Electrode characteristics and the tissue reaction around neural electrodes as a result of stimulation, coating and drug release were characterized. @entity1710 and @entity1711 staining along with antibodies recognizing @entity11654 (microglia/macrophages), NF200 (neuronal axons), NeuN (neurons), @entity2277 (fibroblasts), @entity522 (cell death) and L1 (neural cell adhesion molecule) were used. Quantitative image analyses were performed using MATLAB. Main results. Our results indicate that coated microelectrodes have lower in vitro and in vivo impedance values. Significantly less @entity528 /damage was observed with coated electrodes as compared to non-coated controls. The inflammatory response with the @entity18695 /CNT-coated electrodes was also reduced. Significance. This study is the first to report on the utility of these coatings in stimulation applications. Our results indicate @entity18695 /CNT coatings may be valuable additions to implantable electrodes used as therapeutic modalities.
