Thesis presented November 07, 2012

Abstract:
Microelectrodes array are powerful tools for the research on neuroscience. They can be used both in basic research works to understand the flux of information within neural networks and for the creation of neural prostheses. Biocompatible microelectrode with low impedance are need for the optimization of the devices. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and diamond are currently thought to be good candidates to reach these goals. Both are coupled in this work to take advantages of their respective outstanding properties. The study is divided into three main parts. In the first we describe a new anchoring method to strongly bind carbon nanotubes by burring their base into the nanocrystalline diamond. This new coupling is thought to avoid any dispersion of CNTs that could trigger some toxicity issues, and also to enhance the electronic interface between the two materials. The second part is devoted to the development of an all-diamond microelectrode array. Their electrochemical properties are compared to the carbon nanotube coated electrodes. Finally, some preliminary in vivo and in vitro studies were performed to evaluate nanocrystalline diamond and carbon nanotube biocompatibility.

Keywords:
Neural growth, Electrochemistry, Carbon Nanotubes, Diamond

On-line thesis.