Ferrocenyl-containing silicone nanocomposites as materials for neuronal interfaces

A synthetic method involving hydrosilylation reactions was developed to produce nanocomposites of elastic ferrocenyl-containing silicone rubber (EFSR) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The EFSR-MWCNT nanocomposites have a satisfactory elongation at break ∼80%, tensile strength (2.4 MPa), as well as electrical conductivity comparable to that of semiconductors (7∙10−5 S·cm−1), all of which are necessary for application as neuronal implants. A novel prototype of a spinal cord neuronal interface based on EFSR-MWCNT was created as a prosthetic for impaired neuronal functions and to access spinal sensorimotor networks. Ferrocenyl groups in nanocomposites increase the charge injection that declines the risks of negative effects of electrical stimulation including nerve tissue damage.