A Stretchable Microneedle Electrode Array for Stimulating and Measuring Intramuscular Electromyographic Activity

Abstract

We have developed a stretchablemicroneedle electrode array (sMEA) to stimulate andmeasure the electrical activity of muscle across multiple sites. The technology provides the signal fidelity and spatial resolution of intramuscular electrodesacross a large area of tissue. Our sMEA is composed of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate, conductive-PDMS traces, and stainless-steel penetrating electrodes. The traces and microneedles maintain a resistance of less than 10 [Formula: see text] when stretched up to a ~63% tensile strain, which allows for the full range of physiological motion of felinemuscle. The device and its constituent materials are cytocompatible for at least 28 days in vivo. When implanted in vivo, the device measures electromyographic (EMG) activity with clear compound motor unit action potentials. The sMEA also maintains a stable connection with moving muscle while electrically stimulating the tissue. This technology has direct application to wearable sensors, neuroprostheses, and electrophysiological studies of animals and humans.