A preliminary study of vapour-phase polymerized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) as a transparent neural electrode

Biomedical electrodes have potential application in a range of different treatments including deep brain stimulation, cochlear implants and spinal chord injury. Conducting polymers may have advantages over existing ceramic and electrode materials in terms of charge density, flexibility and biocompatibility. Furthermore, with the advent of optogenetics, combined optical and electrical stimulation and recording would benefit from transparent electrical materials. Here we present initial results for vapour-phase polymerized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), a water-insoluble transparent conducting polymer. We demonstrate biocompatibility and stability.