# Antioxidative Microelectrodes to Improve Neural Recording Performance

> **NIH VA I01** · LOUIS STOKES CLEVELAND VA MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · —

## Abstract

Electrical signals recorded from the neurons of human patients by intracortical microelectrodes have
been used to communicate with computers, control robotic limbs, and recently in a VA study, control the
patient's own arm. The signal quality and the length of time that useful signals can be recorded are
inconsistent. The consensus view of the community is that the inflammatory response of neural tissue
that surrounds the microelectrodes, at least in part, compromises electrode reliability. Several studies
have demonstrated the connection between neuroinflammation and microelectrode performance.
 Inflammation is initiated when inflammatory cells recognize foreign biologics (i.e. damaged/infiltrating
proteins and cells). Serum proteins and blood-derived cells invade the central nervous system following
microelectrode implantation and aggravate the neuroinflammatory response. Cells and tissue are
damaged from the trauma of microelectrode implantation. At the microelectrode surface, accumulation
of pro-inflammatory molecules causes neuronal degeneration and increases the permeability of the
blood-brain barrier, self-perpetuating the process.
 We are exploring several antioxidative approaches to improve microelectrode reliability. Our
preliminary data indicates antioxidative approaches as a highly promising strategy. Specifically, we have
used a variety of antioxidant treatments to demonstrate a reduction in intracortical microelectrode-
mediated oxidative stress and preserve neuron viability. Our newest strategy for improving intracortical
recording reliability is our biomimetic antioxidative coating. Thus far, we have shown improvements in
acute recording on one electrode type. Chronic recording performance and translation to additional
electrode types is a priority. Our coating was developed as a platform technology that could be applied
to any intracortical microelectrode substrate with simple modifications to the attachment chemistry. Our
initial efforts focused on planar silicon substrates for ease of characterization, cost, and their recent
popularity in the literature. Preliminary results suggest that our antioxidative-coated microelectrodes
reduce the initial inflammatory response, preserve neuron populations adjacent to the electrodes, and
improve initial recording quality. However, we have yet to demonstrate that the coatings can be applied
to other popular microelectrode types, such as those used in the clinic. We also still need to characterize
the long-term effects of our coatings on both neuroinflammation and the reliability of recording
performance. The innovation of this proposal is in the application of a platform technology to effectively
minimize two of the leading causes of intracortical microelectrode failure: materials damage and
biological damage. This study is designed to answer clinically-relevant questions, and has the potential
to directly impact ongoing and future clinical trials by the completion of the proposed study.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9942272
- **Project number:** 5I01RX002611-03
- **Recipient organization:** LOUIS STOKES CLEVELAND VA MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Jeffrey R Capadona
- **Activity code:** I01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-01 → 2021-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9942272

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9942272, Antioxidative Microelectrodes to Improve Neural Recording Performance (5I01RX002611-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9942272. Licensed CC0.

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