Capacitance imaging for the discrimination of lipid region in atherosclerotic plaque ex vivo using polypyrrole-coated multi-walled carbon nanotube multi-electrode array

We have developed a capacitance imaging technique using polypyrrole (PPy)-coated multi walled carbon nanotube multi electrode array (PPy-MWCNT-MEA) for the discrimination of lipid region in atherosclerotic plaque ex vivo. The lipid region in the atherosclerotic plaque ex vivo, derived from apolipoprotein-E receptor-deficient mice, exhibits higher capacitance than does the lipid-free region. This consequently allows the capacitance imaging of the lipid region. The results from this research are consistent with an earlier study, which reported that a relatively high capacitance was measured from free fatty acid-treated adipocyte cells. Compared to the titanium nitride multi electrode array, the PPy-MWCNT-MEA yields better capacitance imaging of the lipid region, which can be ascribed to the improved contact between the PPy-MWCNTs and the atherosclerotic plaque ex vivo. [Display omitted] •Capacitance imaging technique for the discrimination of lipid region in atherosclerotic plaque ex vivo.•Flexible multi electrode array for the stent-based lipid region imaging.•Early clinical diagnosis of atherosclerosis.