Electrode technology

Neuroelectrodes, which enable permanent, medically safe and spatially high-resolution electrophysiological measurement and stimulation in the central nervous system, are used as neuroelectrical interfaces, e.g. for deep brain stimulation or as central auditory prostheses.

As part of a DFG-funded cooperation with the Barcikowski working group, Technical Chemistry I at the University of Duisburg Essen, we were able to show that coating electrodes with platinum nanoparticles optimizes the resistance of recording and stimulation electrodes without affecting the biocompatibility of the electrodes. We have also investigated whether the quality of electrophysiological conduction is improved by such a coating.

As part of an EU-funded research project led by Prof. Doll (Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM Translational Biomedical Engineering), novel electrode arrays were implanted that can be used to chronically record neuronal activity in a similar way to EEG but with higher resolution. Such electrode arrays can later be used to record neuronal activity as part of adaptive DBS in patients.