Short communicationSeparated interface nerve electrode prevents direct current induced nerve damage

Direct current, DC, can be used to quickly and reversibly block activity in excitable tissue, or to quickly and reversibly increase or decrease the natural excitability of a neuronal population. However, the practical use of DC to control neuronal activity has been extremely limited due to the rapid tissue damage caused by its use. We show that a separated interface nerve electrode, SINE, is a much safer method to deliver DC to excitable tissue and may be valuable as a laboratory research tool or potentially for clinical treatment of disease.

► Delivery of direct current, DC, to nerves is a useful technique for blocking nerves and modulating excitability. ► We compare the effect of DC delivery using a traditional platinum electrode to a Separated Interface Nerve Electrode, SINE, on nerve health. ► DC delivery using a SINE was dramatically safer than DC delivery with a platinum electrode. ► DC delivery with a SINE did not result in any distinguishable nerve damage.