Multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon-based fiber neural electrode and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon-based fiber neural electrode and a preparation method thereof.The preparation method comprises the steps that a plurality of through holes are formed in the length direction of a rectangular substrate, and a template with holes is obtained; uniformly spraying a layer of insulating spraying agent on the upper surface of the perforated template, and then uniformly spraying a layer of water-soluble spraying agent; a first carbon-based fiber is arranged in the first through hole in the direction from right to left by taking the through holes of the perforated template as a reference, the first carbon-based fiber penetrates through the insulating spray layer and the water-soluble spray layer back and forth so as to form a lifting hook below the first through hole, and the lifting hook is provided with a hook weight so that the lifting hook can extend to the target height below the first through hole; the arrangement of the carbon-based fibers from the second through hole to the last through hole is circularly and repeatedly carried out in sequence; and uniformly spraying a layer of insulating spray on the upper surface of the last carbon-based fiber, then uniformly spraying a layer of water-soluble spray, curing, demolding, and removing hook weights. The carbon-based fiber neural electrode is based on the linear structure, so that the carbon-based fiber neural electrode can perform multi-range detection of electroneurographic signals in a narrow area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of analysis and detection, and particularly relates to a multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon-based fiber nerve electrode and a preparation method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Carbon nanotube fibers, due to their excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and flexibility, are widely used in brain science and neuroscience research. By collecting and integrating neuroelectrophysiological signals, carbon nanotube fibers can detect neuroelectrophysiological signals from living organisms. Multi-channel neural electrodes, due to their increased number of channels, can simultaneously detect signals from a wider range of neurons. Flexible neural electrodes also offer superior biocompatibility and do not produce strong immune reactions in living organisms. However, the preparation of multi-channel flexible neural electrodes is a challenge that urgently needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on the above-mentioned shortcomings and deficiencies in the prior art, one of the objects of the present invention is to at least solve one or more of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art. In other words, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon-based fiber nerve electrode and a preparation method thereof that meet one or more of the above-mentioned needs.

[0004] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object of the invention, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] A method for preparing a multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon-based fiber neural electrode comprises the following steps:

[0006] (1) A plurality of through holes are opened along the length direction of the rectangular substrate to obtain a template with holes;

[0007] (2) Evenly spray a layer of insulating spray on the upper surface of the perforated template, and then evenly spray a layer of water-soluble spray;

[0008] (3) With the through hole of the perforated template as a reference, a first carbon-based fiber is arranged in the first through hole from right to left, and the first carbon-based fiber passes through the insulating spray layer and the water-soluble spray layer back and forth to form a hook below the first through hole. The hook is provided with a hook code so that the hook extends to a target height below the first through hole. The left end of the first carbon-based fiber is fixed to the upper surface of the water-soluble spray layer on the left side of the first through hole by an adhesive, and the right end of the first carbon-based fiber extends outside the water-soluble spray layer on the right side of the first through hole, serving as a signal connection end of the first carbon-based fiber;

[0009] (4) Repeating steps (2) and (3) in a loop, sequentially setting the carbon-based fibers from the second through hole to the last through hole;

[0010] (5) Evenly spray a layer of insulating spray on the upper surface of the last carbon-based fiber, and then evenly spray a layer of water-soluble spray. After curing, demould and remove the hook.

[0011] As a preferred solution, the through holes are distributed at equal intervals along the length direction of the rectangular substrate, with a spacing of 30 to 60 μm.

[0012] As a preferred solution, the radius of the through hole is 10 to 30 μm.

[0013] As a preferred solution, the rectangular substrate is made of polycarbonate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polylactic acid, polycaprolactone or polyethylene glycol.

[0014] As a preferred solution, the insulating spray is polyurethane, acrylic, silicone rubber, epoxy resin or fluoropolymer.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment, the water-soluble spray is polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, water-based epoxy resin, water-based polyurethane, water-based acrylic paint or water-based nitro paint.

[0016] As a preferred solution, the adhesive is polyimide, chitosan glue or structural glue.

[0017] As a preferred solution, the hooks of adjacent carbon-based fibers have the same or different heights.

[0018] As a preferred solution, the carbon-based fiber is carbon nanotube fiber or graphene fiber.

[0019] The present invention also provides a multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon-based fiber nerve electrode prepared by the preparation method described in any of the above solutions.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] (1) The method for preparing a multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon-based fiber neural electrode of the present invention comprises placing carbon-based fibers on a perforated rectangular substrate, pulling a portion of the carbon-based fibers out of the through-holes by the gravity of a micro-hook, thereby detecting neural electrical signals, and spraying an insulating spray and a water-soluble spray on the top to achieve layering with other carbon-based fibers, thereby preparing a multi-channel linear carbon-based fiber neural electrode;

[0022] (2) The multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon-based fiber neural electrode of the present invention, based on its linear structure, can detect neural electrical signals in a relatively narrow area and can be infinitely extended (i.e., the length of the electrode can be adjusted according to the length of the hole template and the number of through holes), thereby enhancing the use effect of the carbon-based fiber neural electrode, having high preparation efficiency and low production cost;

[0023] (3) The insulating spray and water-soluble spray of the present invention are used to prevent adjacent carbon-based fibers from generating static electricity and to make them have excellent mechanical properties. The carbon-based fibers are layered, and each layered carbon-based fiber will be stretched out a part to detect neural electrical signals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross-section of the structure of the multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon-based fiber nerve electrode according to Example 1 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon-based fiber nerve electrode and its preparation method provided by the present invention will be further described below.

[0026] The method for preparing the multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon-based fiber neural electrode of the present invention comprises the following steps:

[0027] (1) A plurality of through holes are opened along the length direction of the rectangular substrate to obtain a template with holes;

[0028] (2) Evenly spray a layer of insulating spray on the upper surface of the perforated template, and then evenly spray a layer of water-soluble spray;

[0029] (3) With the through hole of the perforated template as a reference, a first carbon-based fiber is arranged in the first through hole from right to left, and the first carbon-based fiber passes through the insulating spray layer and the water-soluble spray layer back and forth to form a hook below the first through hole. The hook is provided with a hook code so that the hook extends to a target height below the first through hole. The left end of the first carbon-based fiber is fixed to the upper surface of the water-soluble spray layer on the left side of the first through hole by an adhesive, and the right end of the first carbon-based fiber extends outside the water-soluble spray layer on the right side of the first through hole, serving as a signal connection end of the first carbon-based fiber;

[0030] (4) Repeating steps (2) and (3) in a loop, sequentially setting the carbon-based fibers from the second through hole to the last through hole;

[0031] (5) Evenly spray a layer of insulating spray on the upper surface of the last carbon-based fiber, and then evenly spray a layer of water-soluble spray. After curing, demould and remove the hook.

[0032] In one embodiment, the through holes are evenly spaced along the length of the rectangular substrate, with a spacing of 30 to 60 μm, which can be determined according to actual application requirements.

[0033] In one embodiment, the radius of the through hole is 10-30 μm, which can be determined according to actual application requirements.

[0034] In one embodiment, the rectangular substrate should have good biocompatibility, and the material can be selected from medical polymer materials (polycarbonate or polytetrafluoroethylene), biodegradable plastics (polylactic acid or polycaprolactone), biocompatible resins, polyethylene glycol, etc., and the specific material can be determined according to actual application requirements.

[0035] In one embodiment, the insulating spray should be able to completely block electrical signals and have a thickness at the nanometer level; the insulating spray is made of polyurethane, acrylic, silicone rubber, epoxy resin or fluoropolymer, and the specific thickness can be determined according to actual application requirements.

[0036] In one embodiment, the water-soluble spray has good solubility and a thickness at the nanometer level; the material of the water-soluble spray can be a water-soluble polymer (polyvinyl alcohol or polyacrylic acid), a water-soluble resin (water-based epoxy resin or water-based polyurethane), a water-based coating (water-based acrylic paint or water-based nitro paint), etc., and the specific material can be determined according to actual application requirements.

[0037] In one embodiment, the hook code has the characteristics of small size and large mass, and its size should be at the micron level.

[0038] In one embodiment, the adhesive is polyimide or chitosan adhesive. For example, structural adhesive can be used.

[0039] In one embodiment, the hooks of adjacent carbon-based fibers are of equal or different heights, which can be determined according to actual application requirements.

[0040] In one embodiment, the carbon-based fiber is a carbon nanotube fiber or a graphene fiber, which can be determined according to actual application requirements.

[0041] The multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon-based fiber nerve electrode prepared by the above-mentioned preparation method of the present invention will not produce a strong immune response with the organism, and can sensitively detect neural electrical signals, has high mechanical stability and strength, and has good electrical properties.

[0042] The following is a further explanation of the multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon-based fiber nerve electrode and its preparation method provided by the present invention through specific examples.

[0043] Example 1:

[0044] The method for preparing the multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon nanotube fiber neural electrode of this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0045] (1) Preparation of carbon nanotube fibers:

[0046] Ferrocene and thiophene were added to an ethanol solution to prepare a reaction liquid precursor. Chemical vapor deposition was performed using a floating catalytic method. The temperature was adjusted to 1200°C, and carbon nanotube fibers were produced using a vertical furnace in a carbon nanotube growth apparatus. The specific process can be referenced in existing technologies and will not be detailed here.

[0047] (2) preparing insulating spray;

[0048] Prepare epoxy resin (bisphenol A epoxy resin) and curing agent (amine curing agent or anhydride curing agent, etc.), mixing the epoxy resin and curing agent in a 1:1 mass ratio. Thoroughly mix the epoxy resin and curing agent in a clean container to ensure uniformity. Avoid air incorporation during mixing to prevent bubbles. Gradually add diluent (such as acetone or cyclohexane) to the thoroughly mixed epoxy resin and curing agent to adjust the viscosity for sprayability. Add slowly and stir continuously to ensure a uniform mixture. Filter the mixture through a fine-mesh filter to remove any particles and impurities. Place the filtered liquid into a spray bottle. The spray bottle should have an appropriate nozzle to ensure even spraying.

[0049] (3) preparing water-soluble sprays;

[0050] In a clean container, add an appropriate amount of deionized water, gradually add polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) powder, and stir thoroughly. Avoid vigorous stirring to prevent the formation of bubbles. Heat to 70°C and continue stirring until the PVA is completely dissolved. Stir constantly during heating to avoid overheating the solution. Remove the solution from the heat source and allow it to cool to room temperature. Filter the solution through a fine-mesh filter to remove any particles and impurities to ensure uniformity of the spray. Place the filtered liquid into a spray bottle with an appropriate nozzle for spraying.

[0051] (4) preparing a rectangular substrate;

[0052] Mix polycarbonate particles with an appropriate amount of dichloromethane and stir until completely dissolved; pour the dissolved polycarbonate solution into a mold and form a sheet after the solvent evaporates; choose whether to perform surface treatment, such as plasma treatment or chemical modification, as needed.

[0053] The rectangular substrate was cut into a size of 50 μm × 300 μm, and a proper number of holes with a radius of 20 μm were drilled in its linear direction at a spacing of 40 μm to obtain a template with holes.

[0054] (5) Figure 1As shown, a layer of insulating spray 4 is evenly sprayed on the perforated template 9, and then a layer of water-soluble spray 3 is evenly sprayed after solidification. With the holes of the perforated template as a reference, a carbon nanotube fiber 6 is placed 20 μm to the left of the first hole on the far right. The carbon-based fiber passes back and forth through the insulating spray layer 4 and the water-soluble spray layer 3 to form a hook below the first hole. The hook is provided with a hook weight 8 to extend the hook to the target height below the first hole. The left end of the carbon-based fiber is fixed to the upper surface of the water-soluble spray layer on the left side of the first hole by structural adhesive, and the right end of the carbon-based fiber extends outside the water-soluble spray layer on the right side of the first hole to serve as the signal connection end of the carbon-based fiber.

[0055] (6) After the treatment in step (5), a layer of insulating spray 2 and a water-soluble spray 1 are uniformly sprayed on the perforated template in sequence; a carbon nanotube fiber 5 is placed at a point 20 μm to the left of the second hole on the far right as a base point, and the carbon-based fiber 5 passes through the insulating spray layer 2 and the water-soluble spray layer 1 back and forth to form a hook below the first hole, and the hook is provided with a hook code 7 so that the hook extends to the target height below the first hole; the left end of the carbon-based fiber is fixed to the upper surface of the water-soluble spray layer on the left side of the first hole by structural adhesive, and the right end of the carbon-based fiber extends to the outside of the water-soluble spray layer on the right side of the first hole, serving as the signal connection end of the carbon-based fiber;

[0056] Repeat the above steps until the appropriate number of carbon nanotube fibers is reached, which is five in this embodiment.

[0057] Among them, all carbon-based fibers have hooks of equal height;

[0058] (7) Evenly spray a layer of insulating spray on the perforated template, and then evenly spray a layer of water-soluble spray. After curing, demold the material (i.e., remove the perforated template) and remove the hook code to obtain a multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon nanotube fiber neural electrode.

[0059] Among them, each hook of the multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon nanotube fiber neural electrode serves as a signal detection point. When the multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon nanotube fiber neural electrode is vertically placed on the part to be detected, signal detection at different height positions can be achieved.

[0060] Example 2:

[0061] The multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon nanotube fiber neural electrode and its preparation method of this embodiment are different from those of Example 1 in that: graphene fibers are used instead of carbon nanotube fibers to meet the needs of different applications;

[0062] Other details are the same as in Example 1.

[0063] Example 3:

[0064] The multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon nanotube fiber neural electrode and its preparation method of this embodiment differ from those of Example 1 in that: the hooks of adjacent carbon nanotube fibers are of different heights to meet the needs of different applications;

[0065] Other details are the same as in Example 1.

[0066] The above description is only a detailed description of the preferred embodiments and principles of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, based on the ideas provided by the present invention, there may be changes in the specific implementation methods, and these changes should also be considered as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon-based fiber neural electrode, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: (1) A plurality of through holes are opened along the length direction of the rectangular substrate to obtain a template with holes; (2) Evenly spray a layer of insulating spray on the upper surface of the perforated template, and then evenly spray a layer of water-soluble spray; (3) With the through hole of the perforated template as a reference, a first carbon-based fiber is arranged in the first through hole from right to left, and the first carbon-based fiber passes through the insulating spray layer and the water-soluble spray layer back and forth to form a hook below the first through hole. The hook is provided with a hook code so that the hook extends to a target height below the first through hole. The left end of the first carbon-based fiber is fixed to the upper surface of the water-soluble spray layer on the left side of the first through hole by an adhesive, and the right end of the first carbon-based fiber extends outside the water-soluble spray layer on the right side of the first through hole, serving as a signal connection end of the first carbon-based fiber; (4) Repeating steps (2) and (3) in a loop, sequentially setting the carbon-based fibers from the second through hole to the last through hole; (5) Evenly spray a layer of insulating spray on the upper surface of the last carbon-based fiber, and then evenly spray a layer of water-soluble spray. After curing, demould and remove the hook.

2. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that The through holes are distributed at equal intervals along the length direction of the rectangular substrate, with an interval of 30 to 60 μm.

3. The preparation method according to claim 2, characterized in that The radius of the through hole is 10 to 30 μm.

4. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that The rectangular substrate is made of polycarbonate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polylactic acid, polycaprolactone or polyethylene glycol.

5. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that The insulating spray is polyurethane, acrylic, silicone rubber, epoxy resin or fluoropolymer.

6. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that The water-soluble spray is polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, water-based epoxy resin, water-based polyurethane, water-based acrylic paint or water-based nitro paint.

7. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that The adhesive is polyimide, chitosan glue or structural glue.

8. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that The hooks of adjacent carbon-based fibers may have the same height or different heights.

9. The preparation method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The carbon-based fiber is carbon nanotube fiber or graphene fiber.

10. The multi-channel flexible layered linear carbon-based fiber nerve electrode prepared by the preparation method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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