Preparation of Cytocompatible ITO Neuroelectrodes with Enhanced Electrochemical Characteristics Using a Facile Anodic Oxidation Process

Physicochemical modification of implantable electrode systems is recognized as a viable strategy to enhance tissue/electrode integration and electrode performance in situ. In this work, a bench-top electrochemical process to formulate anodized ITO films with altered roughness conducting profiles and thickness was explored. In addition, the influence of these anodized films on neural cell adhesion, proliferation, and function indicated that anodized ITO film cytocompatibility can be altered by varying the anodization current density. Furthermore, ITO anodized films formed with a current density of 0.4 mA cm-2 showed important primary neural cell survival, modulation of glial scar formation and promotion of neural network activity.