In Vivo Development of Organic Conductors—Bridging the Mismatch in Bioelectronics

The field of Bioelectronics aims to integrate electronics with biology, offering promising opportunities across various domains. A significant challenge in this field is the mechanical mismatch between rigid electronics and the soft nature of living tissues. To address this, soft and flexible bioelectronic devices are being developed using microfabrication and printing techniques. In contrast, biological processes polymerize small molecules to create intricate micromachines. Inspired by these biological processes, we utilize thiophene-based monomer systems and enzymatic processes for the in vivo development of organic conductors. By harnessing the advantages of this approach, we successfully achieved the in situ formation of conducting polymer gels within living organisms. These gels exhibit mechanical properties that closely resemble those of natural tissues. Furthermore, we demonstrate the enzymatic construction of organic conductors in various tissues and their application as active materials in organic electrochemical transistors. Our approach offers a solution to the limitations of conventional methods, providing opportunities for the development of novel, soft, and biocompatible electronic interfaces. This advancement in Bioelectronics opens new avenues for healthcare, bioengineering, and beyond.