Multifunctional nanomeshes for high-performance, transparent, soft neural interfaces

• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20410363

Transparent neural interfaces have been gaining much attention due to their optical compatibility, enabling the measurement of both time-resolved electrophysiology and spatially resolved brain intricacies. Also, there is a need to develop soft neural interfaces to achieve better mechanical compliance with the soft brain to minimize the micromotion-induced injury and inflammatory responses. However, soft transparent neural interfaces from traditional transparent conductors are rather limited on their electrode performance and array throughput. In this thesis, by using a functional nanomesh approach, I developed large-scale, high-density, transparent and soft neural microelectrode arrays. By stacking individual layers of polymer, metal, and low-impedance coating in the same nanomeshed structure, the final nanomesh showed excellent electrical performance with electrode size down to single-neuron size, in addition to the full device transparency and softness. These functional nanomesh microelectrode arrays have been validated in vivo, demonstrating both single-unit electrophysiological measurement and optical imaging capabilities. Together, my research demonstrates nanomeshing is a unique way of transforming conventional microelectronics for both fundamental neuroscience research and various biomedical applications.--Author's abstract