Carbon nanotube coating improves neuronal recordings

• Published in: Nature nanotechnology Vol. 3; no. 7; pp. 434 - 439
• Main Authors: Keefer, Edward W, Botterman, Barry R, Romero, Mario I, Rossi, Andrew F, Gross, Guenter W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 01.07.2008; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: Brain - physiology; Carbon; Cells, Cultured; Chemistry and Materials Science; Coated Materials, Biocompatible - chemistry; Electric Stimulation - instrumentation; Electric Stimulation - methods; Electrocardiography - instrumentation; Electrochemistry; Electrodes; Electrodes, Implanted; Electrons; Equipment Design; Equipment Failure Analysis; Gold; Humans; Impedance; Interfaces; Materials Science; Medical research; Microelectrodes; Nanotechnology; Nanotechnology - instrumentation; Nanotechnology - methods; Nanotechnology and Microengineering; Nanotubes, Carbon - chemistry; Nanotubes, Carbon - ultrastructure; Nervous system; Tungsten; United States > US; Texas
• ISSN: 1748-3387; 1748-3395
• DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2008.174

Implanting electrical devices in the nervous system to treat neural diseases is becoming very common. The success of these brain–machine interfaces depends on the electrodes that come into contact with the neural tissue. Here we show that conventional tungsten and stainless steel wire electrodes can be coated with carbon nanotubes using electrochemical techniques under ambient conditions. The carbon nanotube coating enhanced both recording and electrical stimulation of neurons in culture, rats and monkeys by decreasing the electrode impedance and increasing charge transfer. Carbon nanotube-coated electrodes are expected to improve current electrophysiological techniques and to facilitate the development of long-lasting brain–machine interface devices. Coating conventional tungsten and stainless steel electrodes with carbon nanotubes improves their performance in research involving the implantation of electrical devices into the nervous system. The results could have an impact on electrophysiology and the development of brain–machine interfaces.