Unlocking The Versatility of n-Type Mixed Conductors for Bioelectronic Applications

Establishing close interactions between biological systems and synthetic materials is the key to forming biohybrid assemblies that find use in sensors, actuators, and robotics. In this talk, I will present n-type conjugated polymers as multifunctional bioelectronic interfaces. I will show how they can be tailored to form favorable interactions with catalytic enzymes.¹ When this biohybrid is used in an enhancement mode organic electrochemical transistor (OECT), the device detects glucose and lactate in blood serum or saliva with excellent sensitivity and selectivity over six orders of magnitude wide detection range. While showing the unique characteristics of these devices, I will discuss the possible pathways through which the polymer film generates charges as the enzyme reacts with its metabolites.² I will then show how these polymers respond to visible and NIR light by generating photocurrents in aqueous electrolytes.³ This system is then integrated into adaptable circuits with output controlled by various stimuli, mimicking the function of a neuron.<br/><br/>1 D. Ohayon et al <i>Nat. Mater., </i>2020, <i>19</i>, 456.<br/>2 V. Druet et al <i>Adv. Electron. Mater.</i> 2022, 2200065.<br/>3 V. Druet et al <i>Nat. Commun</i> 2023, 14, 2023