Journal: bioRxiv

Article Title: Advances in Thin-Film Graphene Neurotechnology for Chronic Nerve Stimulation and Recording

doi: 10.64898/2026.01.23.701276

Figure Lengend Snippet: a , Schematic of the new TIME design: each arm carries an array of eight 80 µm-diameter microelectrodes and a rectangular reference electrode (0.4 mm x 60 µm). The lead has an L-shaped layout and two 0.55 mm anchoring arrow-shaped structures to improve fixation within the nerve. b , Extraction force for TIME devices pulled from an explanted sciatic nerve affixed to a petri dish. The graph shows three measurements made with the previous linear TIME design (red) and three with the new design incorporating the anchoring features (light blue). c , Cross-sectional fabrication workflow of the device, illustrating the four main process steps. d , Optical image of a fabricated device showing the electrode array, with a magnified view of a single microelectrode and the rectangular pad electrode. e , Impedance spectra for a PI-PI device (red) and a device with alumina encapsulation (light blue): magnitude (solid line) and phase (dashed line), n=16 electrodes per device. f , Impedance magnitude at 10 Hz (blue) and 1 kHz (light blue) for nine arrays (each with eight microelectrodes). Boxplots represent the 25 th -75 th percentiles. g , Voltage polarization to biphasic current pulses (1 ms per phase): mean traces ± s.d. (shaded), comparing PI-PI (red) and alumina-encapsulated (light blue) devices (n=16 microelectrodes per type). h , Cathodic (blue) and anodic (light blue) charge injection limits for the eight electrodes across nine different arrays. The bar plot represents average values. i , Homogeneity factor for impedance magnitude at 1 kHz and for cathodic/anodic charge injection limits across the nine arrays shown in f and h . The bar plot represents the average value.

Article Snippet: Stimulation was delivered using 50 biphasic rectangular pulses (100 μs duration, 0 to 10 mA; DS4 Stimulator, Digitimer) in bipolar configuration via two small needle electrodes inserted near each nerve, into the medial, lateral, or dorso-medial regions of the paw.

Techniques: Extraction, Encapsulation, Injection