Development and Characterization of Novel Composite and Flexible Electrode Based on Titanium Dioxide

Abstract

Flexible implantable bioelectrodes have the potential to advance neural sensing and muscle stimulation, especially in peripheral nerve injuries. In such cases, the application of electrical stimulation to muscles prevents muscular atrophy and helps to bridge the gap between the injured nerve and the corresponding muscle. This work investigates the fabrication and characterization of a novel, cost effective, flexible bioelectrodes, based on silicone polymer (polysiloxane) and titanium (IV) dioxide. Samples were synthesized and evaluated for their electrochemical and mechanical properties. The bioelectrodes fabricated in this work exhibited promising electrical and mechanical characteristics. The ductile properties for the samples showed an elongation of 293% ± 27.1% before breaking and an elastic modulus of 32.9 ± 5.01 kPa. The impedance at 1 kHz (a standard frequency value to measure the neural activity) was equal to 198 kΩ. The lowest electrode impedance found at 7 MHz was 0.35 kΩ. Thus, supporting its' potential to be employed in implantable electrode applications.