Fig. 1.

Easy-to-implant and adaptable soft cuff electrode. A Scale summarizing the range of nerve diameters of commonly targeted human, pig and rat nerves. B Example of fabricated soft cuff electrode with arrows indicating its components. Insets illustrate scanning electron microscope images of Pt-PDMS composite and microcracked gold film. C Schematic illustration of one cuff (left) which can adapt to different agarose phantom nerve sizes (2–7 mm) and shapes (i), and can conform (dashed line) during bending (ii). PDMS has been colored with blue coloring agent for increased visibility on phantom nerves. D Belt-like fastening method allows for easy surgical implantation: (i) pulling cuff belt below nerve (ii) passing suture through slits (iii) pulling belt through slits and locking in place. Scale bar 1 cm