Tough and Stretchable Conductive Polymers Synthesized Using Controlled Radical Polymerization for Haptics and Human-Machine Interfaces

In this talk, I will describe my group’s interest in the materials science of stretchable, biocompatible conductive polymers and their microstructures. In particular, the conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS-b-PPEGMEA. This polymer has been specially designed to facilitate lower activation thresholds for neural stimulation, a crucial factor in making transcutaneous “electrotactile” stimulation more efficient and less invasive. We have achieved this through molecular-level tuning that couples the well-known conductive properties of PEDOT:PSS with the biocompatibility and aqueous dispersibility conferred by PPEGMEA blocks. This strategic combination not only enhances the electrical characteristics of the polymer but also improves its mechanical properties, making it suitable for flexible and wearable formats. Utilizing these attributes, we have integrated PEDOT:PSS-b-PPEGMEA into a variety of device architectures, such as epidermal electronics and swallowing monitors, that have been evaluated in clinical contexts. This presentation will focus on the synthesis, characterization, and device integration of this unique conductive polymer, exemplifying the materials science contributions to remote health monitoring and human-machine interfaces.