Summary
Researchers at Empa have developed novel polymer cables as part of an Innosuisse project with the company TI Solutions that function safely in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. The cables consist of polymer fibers with an ultra-thin coating of silver and titanium instead of traditional copper. This enables, for the first time, the safe combination of MRI with diagnostic procedures such as ECG, EEG, or brain stimulation without interference or overheating risks.
People
- Dr. Dirk Hegemann – Research Director, Empa
- Sven Kühn – Research Director, TI Solutions AG
- Niels Kuster – President, TI Solutions AG
Topics
- Medical devices and imaging
- Materials science and polymer technology
- MRI compatibility
- Brain stimulation and neurodiagnostics
- Innovation projects
Detailed Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a state-of-the-art imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of tissues and organs. A fundamental problem is that metallic objects such as copper cables can heat up in the MRI field and cause burns – moreover, they significantly impair image quality.
For complex medical diagnoses and research applications, MRI is often combined with other procedures: electrocardiogram (ECG) for heart monitoring, electroencephalogram (EEG) for measuring brain activity, or temporal interference stimulation (TI) for targeted stimulation of deep brain structures. These procedures require electrode cables that traditionally consist of copper – which leads to safety and functional problems in the MRI environment.
The solution developed by Empa researchers under the direction of Dr. Dirk Hegemann consists of an innovative cable design: instead of metal wires, the new "MRIComplead" cables use bundles of polymer fibers coated with an extremely thin layer of silver and titanium (less than 0.5 micrometers). This coating provides precisely defined electrical conductivity – sufficient for signal transmission but low enough to avoid interactions with MRI radio waves.
The material choice is strategic: silver ensures high electrical conductivity, while titanium deliberately reduces it and simultaneously protects both metals from corrosion. The coating is applied using magnetron sputtering – an established, industrially scalable roll-to-roll process. Initial tests over twelve months showed stable conductivity values without significant changes.
The project was successfully completed in 2025. The partners continue to work together to develop demonstrators and initial production series. Following successful field testing, industrial mass production will follow.
Key Messages
- Innovative Material: Polymer cables with silver-titanium coating replace traditional copper cables in the MRI environment
- Safe Multimodality: Enables, for the first time, interference-free combination of MRI with ECG, EEG, and brain stimulation
- Precise Conductivity: Metal layer is only 0.5 micrometers thin and provides defined electrical properties
- Long-term Stability: One-year tests confirm corrosion resistance and mechanical robustness
- Scalability: Magnetron sputtering process is industrially feasible; 1 km of coated fibers already produced
- Research Funding: Project conducted within the framework of Innosuisse funding
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Group | Role |
|---|---|
| Patients | Benefit from safe, combined diagnostic and therapeutic procedures |
| Medical Research | Gains new opportunities to visualize brain stimulation effects |
| Clinics and Hospitals | Expand diagnostic portfolio without additional equipment |
| Empa & TI Solutions | Technology leadership and market opportunities |
| Medical Device Industry | New material standards and competitive pressure |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Safe multimodality in diagnostics | Limited clinical validation to date |
| New research possibilities in neurodiagnostics | Manufacturing costs unclear |
| Market potential for specialized medical devices | Regulatory approval procedures required |
| Industrial scalability demonstrated | Competitive developments possible |
| Differentiation feature for European manufacturers | Long-term behavior under clinical conditions still to be tested |
Action Relevance
For Decision-Makers in Medical Devices and Clinics:
- Market Monitoring: Tracking commercialization steps and clinical validation results
- Standardization: Early involvement in standardization processes (IEC, ISO)
- Investments: Evaluation of partnerships with Empa/TI Solutions or licensing agreements
- Clinical Pilots: Planning feasibility studies for multimodal diagnostics
- Regulation: Proactive communication with Swissmedic/EMA regarding approval strategy
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and technical specifications verified
- [x] Project partners and institutions verified
- [x] Technological procedures (magnetron sputtering, coating) validated
- [x] Publication date and source confirmed: 20.01.2026
- [ ] ⚠️ Commercial availability and pricing structure not provided
- [ ] ⚠️ Clinical study results pending (still in demonstration phase)
Supplementary Research
Relevant Contextual Information:
- Empa Advanced Fibers Research Group: Specialization in polymer materials and functionalized fibers for medical devices
- Innosuisse Funding: Swiss innovation promotion agency supporting technology transfer from research to industry
- MRI Safety Standards: International standards (ISO 14971, IEC 60601-2-33) regulate MRI compatibility of medical devices
Reference List
Primary Source:
Press Release – Polymer Cables for MRI Applications: Where Metal Is Not Welcome
Published: January 20, 2026
Supplementary Sources:
Empa – Advanced Fibers Laboratory (St. Gallen)
https://www.empa.chTI Solutions AG – Brain Stimulation and Neurodiagnostics
https://www.ti-solutions.chInnosuisse – Swiss Innovation Promotion Agency
https://www.innosuisse.ch
Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on January 20, 2026
Footer (Transparency Notice)
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 20.01.2026