Implantable Electrode Based on Pre-Stretched Silk Film for in Vivo Application

Abstract

We present a chronically implantable and bio-compatible electrode, engineered from an oriented crystallization silk film. The silk film, derived from a pre-stretching process, is characterized by its resistance to swelling upon water exposure. Leveraging MEMS technology, we crafted a metallic conductive structure on the surface of the silk protein film, thus creating a versatile bioelectrode. This oriented crystalliztion versatile electrode has been successfully applied for neuro recording in rat's sciatic nerve under various electrical stimulations. Notably, our bioelectrode exhibits a range of advantageous properties, including durability for long-term usage, implantability, flexibility, exceptional bio-compatibility, and degradability.