Various neural probes that can provide highly precise
stimulation
and prevent cellular damage and interference have been used to stimulate
neural systems such as the brain and spine. These probes are designed
to be micron-sized; therefore, they are mechanically fragile and have
high impedances. Mechanical fragility can be overcome using flexible
probes, which are suitable for long-term applications. However, the
impedance of these probes, which is the most important property to
be considered for electrical stimulation, is being lowered via diverse
methods that have several limitations. In this study, iridium dioxide,
which is often used to fabricate electrodes for oxidation–reduction
reactions due to its high pseudo capacitance, was coated via a one-step
chemical vapor deposition method onto the copper–gold electrodes
of a flexible neural probe to decrease the overall impedance of the
probe. Unlike other methods, this approach is remarkably simple in
its process, requires minimal time, and does not compromise the performance
of the flexible neural probe with superior electrochemical properties.
The impedance of the probe at 1 kHz decreased from approximately 500
kΩ before the coating to 5 kΩ after the coating. Additionally,
in vivo tests on mice revealed that an effective stimulation shape
was modulated owing to the distinct surface morphology of the probe.
These results indicate that the flexible neural probes coated with
iridium dioxide can be used for stimulating neural systems.