This research aims to understand the impact of living cells on electrical performance and degradation of metal electrodes used in in bionic neuromodulation devices.
Neural stimulating bionic devices are used to treat neurological conditions and diseases of nervous system tissues. These devices operate by delivering electric pulses to target tissue via metallic electrodes, typically made of platinum (Pt) and its alloys. The longevity and safety of these devices relies on delivering safe electric charge levels without compromising the integrity of the electrodes. However, electrically active, stimulating electrodes can degrade in the body and in vitro studies have shown that biological factors such as protein can affect their electrochemical performance and influence electrode degradation. There are limited studies on the effects of living cells, key elements of the host response against implantable devices, on electrochemical properties and electrode degradation. One of the reasons for this is that electrical stimulation can affect the ability of cells to adhere and survive on electrodes. This project will specifically study the impact of clinically relevant electrical stimulation on cell adhesion and viability as well as evaluating how cells affect the electrochemical performance and the dissolution of Pt and platinum iridium (Pt-Ir) electrodes.
School
Biomedical Engineering
Research Area
Biomedical electrodes | Cell interactions | Neural interfaces
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The student will participate in this project sponsored by our ARC-Linkage industry collaboration with Cochlear Limited (LP190101139). The student will work in state-of-the-art Biomedical Engineering laboratories with facilities specialised in electrode fabrication and PC2 laboratories for cell culture. The student will be supported by two academics, and two PhD students, and through the project, will build professional networks with industry collaborators.
Through understanding the interdependent tissue and electrode responses this project will develop biomimetic in vitro tools for predicting in vivo Pt and Pt-Ir degradation. Results are highly like to result in a high-quality scientific publication. An expected long-term outcome is the reduced animal use in product development.
