Abstract
During neural stimulation it is important to ensure charge transfer does not cause tissue damage. The safe range for stimulation is often defined by the oxidation/reduction of water. However, many biological molecules, such as ascorbic acid (AA), have lower oxidation potentials than water. Due to its low oxidation potential and high concentrations in the brain, we examined the role of AA oxidation during neural stimulation. By measuring the voltage transients during current-controlled stimulation we show significant AA oxidation occurs at stimulation levels typically deemed safe. These results highlight the importance of considering the effect of electrical stimulation on biological molecules.
Funder
National Institutes of Health
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Biological Technologies Office Targeted Neural Plasticity program
Publisher
The Electrochemical Society
Subject
Materials Chemistry,Electrochemistry,Surfaces, Coatings and Films,Condensed Matter Physics,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials