Long-term electroencephalogram measurement using polymer-based dry microneedle electrode

This paper reports a successful electroencephalogram (EEG) measurement for hours using polymer-based microneedle electrodes. Needle electrodes can penetrate through the stratum corneum and therefore, do not require any skin treatment for high-quality EEG measurement. The tested needles consist of SU-8 needles, a silver film, and a nanoporous parylene protective film. In prior work, fabrication processes of polymer-based microneedles, which are considered to be more robust than silicon microneedles was developed. In this work, the electrical impedance was measured at the forehead and was verified to maintain 6 kΩ for 3 h without any skin treatment, which was low enough for EEG measurement. A headset was designed to keep the contact between the needles and skin and with its help, EEG was successfully measured from the frontal poles. The acquired signals were found to be as high quality as the standard wet electrode that required skin treatment and uncomfortable pasting of conductive gel. The developed electrodes are readily applicable to record brain activities for hours while applying little mental and physical stress to the users.