SeoulTech Develops Hybrid Electrodes for Safer Brain-Machine Interfaces

Seoul National University of Science and Technology has developed a new class of hybrid polymer-carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes designed to improve the safety and efficacy of brain-machine interfaces. Announced in a press release, these electrodes offer high electrical conductivity while minimizing tissue damage, a significant advancement in neuroscience technology.

The research team, led by Associate Professor Jong G. Ok and Dr. Maesoon Im, created microelectrode arrays that combine the electrical efficiency of metals with the flexibility of soft tissue. These arrays are embedded in an elastic polymer base, making them approximately 4,000 times softer than silicon. This innovation allows for stable brain signal recording with reduced inflammation compared to traditional tungsten microwires.

The electrodes were tested in vivo on mice, demonstrating their ability to record visual responses from neurons in the visual cortex. The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, highlights the potential of these electrodes for applications in visual prosthetics and cortical implants, offering new possibilities for patients with retinal degeneration or optic nerve damage.