Biocompatibility assessment of next generation materials for brain implantable microelectrodes

Proper interfacing between the microelectrode device and the cells is very important for functional stimulation of brain; the microelectrodes need to be in close proximity to the cells. The materials currently being used in device or research (silicon, polymer, platinum) do not support neuronal attachment on their surfaces. Here, we investigated primary neuronal cell attachment on Pyrex glass, sapphire, and iridium oxide as promising alternative materials. Sapphire was found to be an excellent substrate to support neuron attachment in serum free condition. Using micro-patterning, sapphire was shown to have great potential as a substrate for next generation neural implants.