Potential applications of a small and high surface area platinum electrode as an implanted impedance bio-sensor or recording electrode

Abstract

A small Platinum (Pt) electrode (geometric area: ∼0.43 mm2) was treated in an electrochemical etching process, to produce a highly porous columnar thin layer (∼600 nm) on the surface of the electrode. The modified Pt electrode (Pt-p) showed similar electrical properties to a platinum-black electrode but with high mechanical integrity. Previous studies of chronic stimulation had also shown good biocompatibility and surface stability over several months implantation. This paper discusses the potential applications of the modified electrode as an implanted bio-sensor: (1) as a recording electrode compared to an untreated Pt electrode. (2) as a probe in detecting electrical characteristics of li..