Breakthrough Gold Nanowires Enable Advanced Neural Interfaces

Linköping University researchers develop soft, stretchable electrodes combining gold and silicone rubber for medical applications.

New gold nanowires are a thousand times thinner than a human hair and embedded in elastic materials.
The electrodes are designed to connect electronics to the nervous system, potentially aiding in treating conditions like epilepsy and paralysis.
Researchers overcame the challenge of creating long, thin gold nanostructures by using silver nanowires as templates.
The soft electrodes are biocompatible and projected to last at least three years in the body.
Future work includes refining the material and developing smaller electrodes for closer nerve cell contact.