Flexible fiber-based microelectrodes allow safe and chronic
investigation
and modulation of electrically active cells and tissues. Compared
to planar electrodes, they enhance targeting precision while minimizing
side effects from the device-tissue mechanical mismatch. However,
the current manufacturing methods face scalability, reproducibility,
and handling challenges, hindering large-scale deployment. Furthermore,
only a few designs can record electrical and biochemical signals necessary
for understanding and interacting with complex biological systems.
In this study, we present a method that utilizes the electrical conductivity
and easy processability of MXenes, a diverse family of two-dimensional
nanomaterials, to apply a thin layer of MXene coating continuously
to commercial nylon filaments (30–300 μm in diameter)
at a rapid speed (up to 15 mm/s), achieving a linear resistance below
10 Ω/cm. The MXene-coated filaments are then batch-processed
into free-standing fiber microelectrodes with excellent flexibility,
durability, and consistent performance even when knotted. We demonstrate
the electrochemical properties of these fiber electrodes and their
hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensing capability
and showcase their applications in vivo (rodent)
and ex vivo (bladder tissue). This scalable process
fabricates high-performance microfiber electrodes that can be easily
customized and deployed in diverse bioelectronic monitoring and stimulation
studies, contributing to a deeper understanding of health and disease.