Sharam Amini, Pulse Technologies, Inc., Quakertown, PA
Recent advancements in implantable neural interfacing devices have led to significant breakthroughs in neurostimulation and cardiac rhythm management, enabling precise neural stimulation and signal recording for the treatment of various neurological and cardiac disorders. To enhance the specificity, functionality, and overall performance of these devices, electrodes and microelectrode arrays—the core components of most emerging devices—must be further miniaturized and demonstrate exceptional electrochemical performance with neural tissue. Since the selective and targeted stimulation of small populations of neurons near implantable electrodes is crucial for their success, the trajectory for further refinement of neural interfacing devices largely depends on increasing electrode miniaturization, which enables higher spatial resolution, precision, and reliability. However, challenges remain in optimizing electrode performance, commercial viability, manufacturability, and sustainability. In this presentation, several key areas of innovation will be explored. First, the miniaturization and electrochemical enhancement of femtosecond-laser hierarchically restructured electrodes, which demonstrate unprecedented improvements in performance, will be discussed. Second, the development of multifunctional, high-performing antibacterial electrodes designed to combat post-implantation infections while maintaining superior electrochemical properties will be highlighted. Advancements in ultra-thin, flexible electrodes for invasive nervous system applications will also be presented, with a focus on their enhanced electrochemical properties and mechanical stability. Finally, a sustainable alternative to platinum group metal electrodes will be presented, showcasing how titanium-based electrodes, restructured using a novel reactive hierarchical surface restructuring platform, achieve superior electrochemical performance and provide a low-cost, sustainable solution for long-term neurostimulation and cardiac rhythm management devices.