A Feasibility Study on Optically Transparent Encapsulation for Implantable Neural Prostheses

Abstract

Optically transparent encapsulation is presented with results from long-term reliability and light transmission tests. This technology is required in certain implantable neural prostheses that demand the transmission of optical signals through an encapsulating material, such as in retinal implants or in optogenetic applications. In this study, biocompatible film-type cyclic olefin polymers (COPs) with low moisture absorption (<0.01 %) and high light transmission (92 %) are utilized as encapsulating materials based on thermal lamination. The reliability of COP encapsulation is characterized through accelerated soak tests in a 75 degrees C saline solution to measure the leakage currents from encapsulated inter-digitated electrodes. These tests had been done for 211 days with the estimated lifetime of 8.05 years at 37 degrees C. In addition, the optical properties of a thermally laminated COP film sample in relation to its thickness are evaluated by an experimental setup which uses projected line patterns on an image sensor. The light transmittance of COP film samples thinner than 376 mu m exceeded 91.69 %, and the minimum distinguishable line pitch was 47.6 mu m at a thickness of 26 mu m. These results validate the feasibility of optically transparent encapsulation using COPs and may contribute to its use in future implantable neural prostheses.