Over the past several years, TDA Research, Inc. has been developing solvent processable forms of ... more Over the past several years, TDA Research, Inc. has been developing solvent processable forms of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) commonly known as "PEDOT". Our approach is to make block copolymers with alternating conducting and non-conducting blocks. The conducting segments provide the electronic properties, while the non-conducting segments are designed to promote dispersion. TDA has two lines of conducting polymer products named Aedotron and Oligotron, and this paper focuses on our family of ABA end-capped oligomers (trade named Oligotron). These capped oligomers have a center block consisting of PEDOT and two non-conducting end-capping blocks, which can contain polymerizable methacrylate groups (see Figure 1). Oligotron oligomers are dispersible in non-corrosive organic solvents and can be used to dip coat, spin coat or print thin films for electronic devices. The oligomers that have polymerizable methacrylate groups in the endcaps, can theoretically be printed using ...
: This briefing first examines problems in dealing with intrinsically conducting polymers (ICP). ... more : This briefing first examines problems in dealing with intrinsically conducting polymers (ICP). It relates TDA's research objectives in the area of ICPs. Concludes with discussion of developed materials.
A number of factors contribute to the failure of microelectrodes implanted into the central nervo... more A number of factors contribute to the failure of microelectrodes implanted into the central nervous system and designed for therapeutic purposes. We hypothesized that more closely matching the mechanical properties of the microelectrode to those of the brain in combination with biomolecule coatings would promote a lower inflammatory response and less scar tissue encapsulation. In vitro cell culture studies were used to evaluate novel elastomeric wires with Young’s modulus lower than 1 MPa; the L1 protein coating was compared to laminin-coated and uncoated microelectrodes. In vivo work included characterization of the tissue response associated with microelectrode implantation into the subthalamic nucleus of rats (n = 4/group) at acute and chronic time points. Commercial tungsten microelectrodes with Young’s modulus of 411,000 MPa were used as a standard (stiff control). The in vitro results indicate that soft wires had greater neuronal but less astrocyte and microglial attachment th...
Chronically implanted neural multi-electrode arrays (MEA) are an essential technology for recordi... more Chronically implanted neural multi-electrode arrays (MEA) are an essential technology for recording electrical signals from neurons and/or modulating neural activity through stimulation. However, current MEAs, regardless of the type, elicit an inflammatory response that ultimately leads to device failure. Traditionally, rigid materials like tungsten and silicon have been employed to interface with the relatively soft neural tissue. The large stiffness mismatch is thought to exacerbate the inflammatory response. In order to minimize the disparity between the device and the brain, we fabricated novel ultrasoft electrodes consisting of elastomers and conducting polymers with mechanical properties much more similar to those of brain tissue than previous neural implants. In this study, these ultrasoft microelectrodes were inserted and released using a stainless steel shuttle with polyethyleneglycol (PEG) glue. The implanted microwires showed functionality in acute neural stimulation. Whe...
A new class of surface modified particles and a multi-step Michael-type addition surface modifica... more A new class of surface modified particles and a multi-step Michael-type addition surface modification process for the preparation of the same is provided. The multi-step Michael-type addition surface modification process involves two or more reactions to compatibilize particles with various host systems and/or to provide the particles with particular chemical reactivities. The initial step comprises the attachment of a small organic compound to the surface of the inorganic particle. The subsequent steps attach additional compounds to the previously attached organic compounds through reactive organic linking groups. Specifically, these reactive groups are activated carbonâcarbon pi bonds and carbon and non-carbon nucleophiles that react via Michael or Michael-type additions.
A number of factors contribute to the failure of microelectrodes implanted into the central nervo... more A number of factors contribute to the failure of microelectrodes implanted into the central nervous system and designed for therapeutic purposes. We hypothesized that more closely matching the mechanical properties of the microelectrode to those of the brain in combination with biomolecule coatings would promote a lower inflammatory response and less scar tissue encapsulation. In vitro cell culture studies were used to evaluate novel elastomeric wires with Young’s modulus lower than 1 MPa; the L1 protein coating was compared to laminin-coated and uncoated microelectrodes. In vivo work included characterization of the tissue response associated with microelectrode implantation into the subthalamic nucleus of rats (n = 4/group) at acute and chronic time points. Commercial tungsten microelectrodes with Young’s modulus of 411,000 MPa were used as a standard (stiff control). The in vitro results indicate that soft wires had greater neuronal but less astrocyte and microglial attachment th...
Current designs for microelectrodes used for interfacing with the nervous system elicit a charact... more Current designs for microelectrodes used for interfacing with the nervous system elicit a characteristic inflammatory response that leads to scar tissue encapsulation, electrical insulation of the electrode from the tissue and ultimately failure. Traditionally, relatively stiff materials like tungsten and silicon are employed which have mechanical properties several orders of magnitude different from neural tissue. This mechanical mismatch is thought to be a major cause of chronic inflammation and degeneration around the device. In an effort to minimize the disparity between neural interface devices and the brain, novel soft electrodes consisting of elastomers and intrinsically conducting polymers were fabricated. The physical, mechanical and electrochemical properties of these materials were extensively characterized to identify the formulations with the optimal combination of parameters including Young's modulus, elongation at break, ultimate tensile strength, conductivity, im...
We have prepared a series of hybrid additives and incorporated them into urethane and epoxy coati... more We have prepared a series of hybrid additives and incorporated them into urethane and epoxy coatings that were applied on steel and aluminum substrates. The films were homogeneous, but with a high coefficient of friction. The resulting coating toughness was increased, as measured by the improved abrasion resistance, hardness and flexibility of the coating. Similarly, the oxygen index and smoke density properties of the coating were used to demonstrate improved fire resistance. Corrosion was measured by the Salt Fog test, and used to demonstrate that these additives inhibit rust formation and propagation . The addition of hybrids to the coatings provided some thermal stability to the system, leading to reduced thermal degradation at high temperatures (200 to 400 deg C). An engineering analysis demonstrated that the additives can be prepared at $1-$2/lb, well below the price of specialty additives like corrosion inhibitors and UV stabilizers.
Surface-modified nanoparticles of boehmite, and methods for preparing the same. Aluminum oxyhydro... more Surface-modified nanoparticles of boehmite, and methods for preparing the same. Aluminum oxyhydroxide nanoparticles are surface modified by reaction with selected amounts of organic acids. In particular, the nanoparticle surface is modified by reactions with two or more different carboxylic acids, at least one of which is an organic carboxylic acid. The product is a surface modified boehmite nanoparticle that has
In the emerging field of low-cost printed electronics there is a lack of solvent processable cond... more In the emerging field of low-cost printed electronics there is a lack of solvent processable conducting and semiconducting materials with highly tuned and known electronic properties. Currently the best performing conductors and semiconductors are not sufficient to produce truly printable, cost competitive organic photovoltaics (OPVs). TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) has been investigating a new class of solvent processable intrinsically conducting polymers for use as charge transport and transparent conducting layers in organic electronic devices. We have also begun the manufacture of electron-deficient semiconducting polymers that may prove to be excellent acceptors in bulk hetero-junction OPVs. This paper presents a summary of the materials characterization conducted on TDA's new electronic materials and how these may address several of the pressing issues preventing the realization of low-cost, printed solar cells and flexible electronics devices.
The present invention relates to a new class of surface modified particles and to a multi-step su... more The present invention relates to a new class of surface modified particles and to a multi-step surface modification process for the preparation of the same. The multi-step surface functionalization process involves two or more reactions to produce particles that are compatible with various host systems and/or to provide the particles with particular chemical reactivities. The initial step comprises the attachment of a small organic compound to the surface of the inorganic particle. The subsequent steps attach additional compounds to the previously attached organic compounds through organic linking groups.
Over the past several years, TDA Research, Inc. has been developing solvent processable forms of ... more Over the past several years, TDA Research, Inc. has been developing solvent processable forms of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) commonly known as "PEDOT". Our approach is to make block copolymers with alternating conducting and non-conducting blocks. The conducting segments provide the electronic properties, while the non-conducting segments are designed to promote dispersion. TDA has two lines of conducting polymer products named Aedotron and Oligotron, and this paper focuses on our family of ABA end-capped oligomers (trade named Oligotron). These capped oligomers have a center block consisting of PEDOT and two non-conducting end-capping blocks, which can contain polymerizable methacrylate groups (see Figure 1). Oligotron oligomers are dispersible in non-corrosive organic solvents and can be used to dip coat, spin coat or print thin films for electronic devices. The oligomers that have polymerizable methacrylate groups in the endcaps, can theoretically be printed using ...
: This briefing first examines problems in dealing with intrinsically conducting polymers (ICP). ... more : This briefing first examines problems in dealing with intrinsically conducting polymers (ICP). It relates TDA's research objectives in the area of ICPs. Concludes with discussion of developed materials.
A number of factors contribute to the failure of microelectrodes implanted into the central nervo... more A number of factors contribute to the failure of microelectrodes implanted into the central nervous system and designed for therapeutic purposes. We hypothesized that more closely matching the mechanical properties of the microelectrode to those of the brain in combination with biomolecule coatings would promote a lower inflammatory response and less scar tissue encapsulation. In vitro cell culture studies were used to evaluate novel elastomeric wires with Young’s modulus lower than 1 MPa; the L1 protein coating was compared to laminin-coated and uncoated microelectrodes. In vivo work included characterization of the tissue response associated with microelectrode implantation into the subthalamic nucleus of rats (n = 4/group) at acute and chronic time points. Commercial tungsten microelectrodes with Young’s modulus of 411,000 MPa were used as a standard (stiff control). The in vitro results indicate that soft wires had greater neuronal but less astrocyte and microglial attachment th...
Chronically implanted neural multi-electrode arrays (MEA) are an essential technology for recordi... more Chronically implanted neural multi-electrode arrays (MEA) are an essential technology for recording electrical signals from neurons and/or modulating neural activity through stimulation. However, current MEAs, regardless of the type, elicit an inflammatory response that ultimately leads to device failure. Traditionally, rigid materials like tungsten and silicon have been employed to interface with the relatively soft neural tissue. The large stiffness mismatch is thought to exacerbate the inflammatory response. In order to minimize the disparity between the device and the brain, we fabricated novel ultrasoft electrodes consisting of elastomers and conducting polymers with mechanical properties much more similar to those of brain tissue than previous neural implants. In this study, these ultrasoft microelectrodes were inserted and released using a stainless steel shuttle with polyethyleneglycol (PEG) glue. The implanted microwires showed functionality in acute neural stimulation. Whe...
A new class of surface modified particles and a multi-step Michael-type addition surface modifica... more A new class of surface modified particles and a multi-step Michael-type addition surface modification process for the preparation of the same is provided. The multi-step Michael-type addition surface modification process involves two or more reactions to compatibilize particles with various host systems and/or to provide the particles with particular chemical reactivities. The initial step comprises the attachment of a small organic compound to the surface of the inorganic particle. The subsequent steps attach additional compounds to the previously attached organic compounds through reactive organic linking groups. Specifically, these reactive groups are activated carbonâcarbon pi bonds and carbon and non-carbon nucleophiles that react via Michael or Michael-type additions.
A number of factors contribute to the failure of microelectrodes implanted into the central nervo... more A number of factors contribute to the failure of microelectrodes implanted into the central nervous system and designed for therapeutic purposes. We hypothesized that more closely matching the mechanical properties of the microelectrode to those of the brain in combination with biomolecule coatings would promote a lower inflammatory response and less scar tissue encapsulation. In vitro cell culture studies were used to evaluate novel elastomeric wires with Young’s modulus lower than 1 MPa; the L1 protein coating was compared to laminin-coated and uncoated microelectrodes. In vivo work included characterization of the tissue response associated with microelectrode implantation into the subthalamic nucleus of rats (n = 4/group) at acute and chronic time points. Commercial tungsten microelectrodes with Young’s modulus of 411,000 MPa were used as a standard (stiff control). The in vitro results indicate that soft wires had greater neuronal but less astrocyte and microglial attachment th...
Current designs for microelectrodes used for interfacing with the nervous system elicit a charact... more Current designs for microelectrodes used for interfacing with the nervous system elicit a characteristic inflammatory response that leads to scar tissue encapsulation, electrical insulation of the electrode from the tissue and ultimately failure. Traditionally, relatively stiff materials like tungsten and silicon are employed which have mechanical properties several orders of magnitude different from neural tissue. This mechanical mismatch is thought to be a major cause of chronic inflammation and degeneration around the device. In an effort to minimize the disparity between neural interface devices and the brain, novel soft electrodes consisting of elastomers and intrinsically conducting polymers were fabricated. The physical, mechanical and electrochemical properties of these materials were extensively characterized to identify the formulations with the optimal combination of parameters including Young's modulus, elongation at break, ultimate tensile strength, conductivity, im...
We have prepared a series of hybrid additives and incorporated them into urethane and epoxy coati... more We have prepared a series of hybrid additives and incorporated them into urethane and epoxy coatings that were applied on steel and aluminum substrates. The films were homogeneous, but with a high coefficient of friction. The resulting coating toughness was increased, as measured by the improved abrasion resistance, hardness and flexibility of the coating. Similarly, the oxygen index and smoke density properties of the coating were used to demonstrate improved fire resistance. Corrosion was measured by the Salt Fog test, and used to demonstrate that these additives inhibit rust formation and propagation . The addition of hybrids to the coatings provided some thermal stability to the system, leading to reduced thermal degradation at high temperatures (200 to 400 deg C). An engineering analysis demonstrated that the additives can be prepared at $1-$2/lb, well below the price of specialty additives like corrosion inhibitors and UV stabilizers.
Surface-modified nanoparticles of boehmite, and methods for preparing the same. Aluminum oxyhydro... more Surface-modified nanoparticles of boehmite, and methods for preparing the same. Aluminum oxyhydroxide nanoparticles are surface modified by reaction with selected amounts of organic acids. In particular, the nanoparticle surface is modified by reactions with two or more different carboxylic acids, at least one of which is an organic carboxylic acid. The product is a surface modified boehmite nanoparticle that has
In the emerging field of low-cost printed electronics there is a lack of solvent processable cond... more In the emerging field of low-cost printed electronics there is a lack of solvent processable conducting and semiconducting materials with highly tuned and known electronic properties. Currently the best performing conductors and semiconductors are not sufficient to produce truly printable, cost competitive organic photovoltaics (OPVs). TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) has been investigating a new class of solvent processable intrinsically conducting polymers for use as charge transport and transparent conducting layers in organic electronic devices. We have also begun the manufacture of electron-deficient semiconducting polymers that may prove to be excellent acceptors in bulk hetero-junction OPVs. This paper presents a summary of the materials characterization conducted on TDA's new electronic materials and how these may address several of the pressing issues preventing the realization of low-cost, printed solar cells and flexible electronics devices.
The present invention relates to a new class of surface modified particles and to a multi-step su... more The present invention relates to a new class of surface modified particles and to a multi-step surface modification process for the preparation of the same. The multi-step surface functionalization process involves two or more reactions to produce particles that are compatible with various host systems and/or to provide the particles with particular chemical reactivities. The initial step comprises the attachment of a small organic compound to the surface of the inorganic particle. The subsequent steps attach additional compounds to the previously attached organic compounds through organic linking groups.
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