Search for: All records

Design and manufacturing processes that modify surfaces have seen rapid development in recent years ( 1 – 4 ). Besides aesthetics, these modifications can add new functionalities to an object. For example, the regular arrangement of modifications on a surface (periodic structuring) is used to create chemical sensors, cloaking devices, and optical fibers, among other tools ( 5 ). Despite the versatility of surface modification techniques, such as direct transfer, three-dimensional (3D) printing, and “wrapping,” there are limitations associated with properties of the functional components and target objects, as well as from the desired deposition patterns. On page 894 of this issue, Zabow ( 6 ) presents a relatively simple approach for transferring arrays of diverse functional components onto objects with complex 3D geometries. The method uses a familiar material—table sugar—in a “reflow” process that leverages sugar’s melting and dissolving properties to create a flowable “stamp.” 

The goal of this study was to perform in situ electrochemical polymerization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) in peripheral nerves to create a soft, precisely located injectable conductive polymer electrode for bi-directional communication. Intraneural PEDOT polymerization was performed to target both outer and inner fascicles via custom fabricated 3D printed cuff electrodes and monomer injection strategies using a combination electrode-cannula system. Electrochemistry, histology, and laser light sheet microscopy revealed the presence of PEDOT at specified locations inside of peripheral nerve. This work demonstrates the potential for using in situ PEDOT electrodeposition as an injectable electrode for recording and stimulation of peripheral nerves.