Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MINERGRACE (Graphene-based High Resolution Neural Interfaces for ICT-inspired Neuro-treatment)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2018-02-01 al 2019-07-31
The PoC project MINERGRACE strived towards realisation of advanced electrical neural interfacing device prototypes. For this purpose research was conducted on optimal device design, and micro/nano-fabrication of candidate designs were carried out. Novel materials, such as, the 2-dimensional wonder material graphene, and the electrically conducting organic polymer PEDOT:PSS, were utilised. Fabricated device designs included micro-electrode arrays (MEAs) of graphene and PEDOT:PSS, and arrays of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) with PEDOT:PSS channels. The characterisation experiments demonstrate the superiority of OECTs over MEAs for neural interfacing applications due to the inherent signal amplification provided by the transistors. Even though primary results are suggestive of good electrical coupling of OECTs with neurones, more research is needed for geometric optimisation of OECTs in order to maximise the fidelity of single neurone communication for enhanced neural interfacing applications.