Penetrating micro electrode array

Micro and nano electrodes are essential for nano-bio interfacing. Numerous types of such electrodes exist, which represent different functionalities, properties, and combined with that, different problems. Touch electrodes, penetrating Cuff electrodes, FIELD electrodes, Sieve electrodes are only some examples worth mentioning. There are passive electrodes with external sensing and amplification circuitry and there are active electrodes with integrated sensors and/or front end preamplifier units. The electrodes are made on a variety on substrates, both rigid and flexible and deal with countless very tough problems. For example: metallization on plastic for in-vivo sensing, signal extraction from a living body which is a dynamic constantly changing source, very low signal measurements in a very noisy environment, extremely high reliability and bio compatibility from implanted electrodes, nano lithography of nano electrodes, and more.

To encourage and promote progress in nano and micro electrode technology there is a dire need for collaboration between researchers and scientists from many disciplines: electrical, mechanical and materials engineers, surface chemists, bio chemists, life science and medical researchers, and computer scientists for modelling.

Setting standards for interfacing technologies

Electrochemical Determination of Reversible Redox Species at IDA Micro/Nano Electrodes

To tackle all those problems we established a strategic research program (SRP) that will establish data bases for the needs, markets, existing technologies, emerging technologies etc. It will establish a data base that in the future, it might be possible for every researcher in Europe to compare technologies, choose his own electrode and maybe order such device in one of the key laboratories in Europe, pending availability of funding for manufacturing such electrodes.

The SRP defines the golden standards for electrodes, their technologies and will establish a reference centre. This will increase the competitiveness of European researchers, will synchronize and standardize interfacing technologies and will increase the efficiency of basic research that uses standards. Today, every electrode is custom made and requires enormous Non Recurring Engineering (NRE). A common data base will reduce NRE and allow researchers spending more time on the actual research.

Protocols for sensing of biological signals

The SRP mission statement is: Creating data bases for standard technologies, electrode platforms and protocols for sensing of biological signals and for application of signals to biological systems, natural or artificial, i.e. tissues, bio-mimetic structures and bio-chips.

This SRP interacts with all the Nano2Life intersection projects: Cell surface interaction, Platform for in Vitro Cytotoxicity Testing, Drug delivery and Theranostics, and Optic Nerve regeneration. In addition this SRP involves Nano2Liferesearchers who collaborate in various research activities that require the use of micro and nano-electrodes.