Fabricating and Evaluating Carbon Fiber Bundle Microelectrodes for Intramuscular Stimulation

INTRODUCTION Many neural processes, such as memory formation and learning, occur over a relatively long time frame. Conventional neural electrodes lose much of their accuracy over these time periods, due to multiple factors including glial cell encapsulation, micromovement in the brain, and neuron cell death. To address this problem, electrodes for long-term neural stimulation or recording must be small, flexible, and compatible with the brain’s immune system. One such system involves chronically implantable carbon fiber microthread electrodes [1]. While the efficacy of carbon fiber microelectrodes has been explored in the brain, new challenges exist in the peripheral nervous system. Carbon fiber microelectrodes have the potential to finely stimulate small muscle groups with a limited physiological footprint. However, the electrode’s strength and durability also need to be considered in the periphery where macromotion is substantially greater than the brain micromotion. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of carbon fiber based microcable electrodes for muscle implantation and stimulation in vivo.