Parylene-Based Cuff Electrode With Integrated Microfluidics for Peripheral Nerve Recording, Stimulation, and Drug Delivery

A novel Parylene C-based peripheral nerve interface that combines both electrodes and microfluidic channels in an adjustable cuff was designed, fabricated, and characterized. This minimally invasive interface incorporates a drug delivery system for targeted delivery of lysing agents and neurotrophic factors to the nerve surface to locally disrupt the epineurium and allow fascicular selectivity. Multiple platinum (Pt) electrodes were embedded in the microfluidic channels for neural stimulation and recording. The lyse-and-attract cuff electrode (LACE) uses a simple locking mechanism that is adjustable for close contact with nerves of varying diameters. Devices were fabricated using standard Parylene microfabrication techniques resulting in low variability and high device yield. A procedure for the implantation of the LACE was developed and successfully demonstrated in vivo around rat sciatic nerves. The adjustable locking mechanism demonstrated adequate holding strength and fit around the nerves. Benchtop electrochemical characterization of the thin-film Pt electrodes showed that the electrodes possessed high charge storage capacity (>1 mC/cm
²
) and low impedances (
$< 2~\text{k}\Omega $
at 1 kHz) suitable for neural stimulation and recording. As expected, embedded electrodes demonstrated higher impedance values. Acute neural recording from the rat sciatic nerve verified the capability of the LACE to record evoked neural activity (compound action potentials). Controlled and localized microfluidic infusions were achieved at low flow rates (
$< 1~\mu \text{L}$
/min). Finally, infusion experiments in vivo demonstrated targeted drug delivery to the sciatic nerve fascicles. This multifunctional peripheral nerve interface has the potential to enhance implant-tissue integration in vivo and provide reliable chronic performance not available in the existing extraneural or intraneural interfaces. [2018-0192]