PDMS-Based Stretchable Multi-Electrode and Chemotrode Array for Epidural and Subdural Neuronal Recording, Electrical Stimulation and Drug Delivery

An implantable device (1) for the electrical and/or pharmaceutical stimulation of the central nervous system, especially the spinal cord, is suggested. The device comprises a conformable substrate which is primarily composed of a flexible and stretchable polymer, and a plurality of flexible electrodes and conductive leads embedded in the conformable substrate. Not only the substrate, but also the leads are stretchable. The substrate may consist of PDMS, and the leads may consist of a conductive PDMS, in particular, PDMS with an electrically conductive filler material, and may optionally be metal-coated. The device defines a multi-electrode array which may be employed for neurostimulation in the epidural or subdural space of an animal or human.