Polymeric Nanofilms as Biopassive and Bioactive Neuroprosthetic Implant Coatings

Student: Kyle Stephens
Department: Chemical Engineering
Advisor: Shashi Murthi

Abstract

Neuroprosthetic implants are silicon based microelectronic devices that are designed to send and receive electrical signals to and from neurons in the central nervous system. An important part of the fabrication and performance of these devices is the protection of the integrated circuitry from the corrosive effects of the in-vivo environment. This protection can be achieved by coating the devices with thin polymer films which can then be functionalized with specific proteins known to enhance biocompatibility.