Conducting Polymer Coatings for Bioelectronic Arthroscopy Probes.

Abstract

This study presents conducting polymer coatings as an effective strategy to enhance the performance of electromechanical arthroscopy probes by significantly reducing electrical equilibration time (the period a surgeon must wait for the probe signal to stabilize before measurement) and improving signal stability. Microelectrodes coated with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene, PEDOT) reach electrical equilibrium in physiological medium within 10 s, compared to over 2 min for standard electroless nickel immersion gold-based (ENIG) probes and ≈20 s for electrodeposited gold, thereby eliminating impractical delays during arthroscopic procedures. PEDOT coatings also reduce impedance by two to three orders of magnitude at low frequencies (<1 kHz), minimizing sensitivity to hand motion and reducing the likelihood of repeated measurements. Importantly, these electrodes maintain their functionality after sterilization and repeated use, demonstrating high reliability for intraoperative applications. Furthermore, PEDOT-coated nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) microelectrodes offer a gold-free, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative. As osteoarthritis continues to affect a growing global population, the development of rapid, durable, and accessible diagnostic tools is increasingly critical. The integration of PEDOT into arthroscopic microelectrodes represents a clinically promising approach to faster, more efficient cartilage assessment while reducing reliance on critical raw materials.