Mechanically adaptive materials for intracortical implants

Cortical microelectrodes allow electrical contacts with neural cells and show promise as electrical interfaces to the brain, which allow for the treatment of several neurological deficits. However, the functionality of current electrodes decreases over time, in part due to neuron degeneration and foreign body encapsulation. One hypothesis is that the mismatch of the mechanical properties of the electrode and the brain tissue is a significant contributor to these events. We recently developed a new approach to chemically responsive, mechanically adaptive polymer nanocomposites, which are initially highly rigid, but soften considerably upon exposure to physiological conditions and aqueous environments in general. Initial in-vivo experiments suggest that the materials promise to be a useful platform for the design of next-generation intracortical devices.