Description
In this research, we report on the batch fabrication of flexible neuroprosthetic devices, designed to be implanted around and on the surface of the spinal cord. These devices will be used to stimulate neural tracts within the white matter. This study was done with the long term goal of eventually restoring functionality to muscles that has been debilitated due to a spinal cord injury. An initial set of devices with platinum electrodes were fabricated to take advantage of the high conductivity, and the charge injection capacity of this noble metal. Additionally, a second set of devices were fabricated with glassy carbon electrodes using a novel method developed at San Diego State University. Due to its increased functional surface area, glassy carbon displays a higher charge injection capacity than its gold and platinum counterparts. This thesis also discusses recent studies that demonstrate the mechanical and electrical tunability of glassy carbon, which led to the decision to use it as an electrode material. Furthermore, this research study covers the mechanical, electrical, and electrochemical characterization that was done on each of the neuroprosthetics, as well as the in vivo results from experiments done on both a rat model and a primate model post-mortem.
