In vitro characterization of electronically stimulated ionic electroactive polymers with application to muscle prosthesis

Towards the development of new classes of subcutaneous muscle prosthesis, this paper presents and discusses results of in vitro characterization of biocompatible ionic electro-active polymers (iEAPs) under different electrical stimulation scenarios. The electrical stimulation is provided via a low-dropout regulator (LDO). The functionality of electrically stimulated iEAPs is evaluated under steady-state and transient conditions. Electrical characteristics of iEAPs in terms of conductance, and movement characteristics of iEAPs in terms of changes in the bending angle during fixed and transient stimulation are evaluated. Measured results suggest that iEAPs in combination with LDO-based stimulator have great potentials for the realization of the next generation muscle prosthesis that are flexible, and can enable immediate movement restoration, upon implantation.