Molly Stevens1
Imperial College London1
This talk will provide an overview of our work on chemical modification and functionalisation strategies to obtain designer materials for bioelectronic applications in regenerative medicine and biosensing. I will discuss how we introduce moieties to the polymer backbone to obtain tunable properties such as semi-conductivity [1], self-immolation [2] and light sensitivity [3]. We design, synthesise and fabricate conjugated polymer-based scaffolds presenting complex electrical and topographical cues to support neural stem cell adhesion, growth and differentiation [4]. I will also discuss the opportunities presented by organic bioelectronics that can be applied as powerful tools for disease diagnostics and cellular monitoring and interfacing [6]. Finally, I will talk about how we are establishing effective translational pipelines to drive our innovations to clinical application.<br/>[1] A. Creamer… M. M. Stevens, M. Heeney. “Quantitative post-polymerisation functionalisation of conjugated polymer backbones and its application in multi-functionalised semiconducting polymer nanoparticles.” Nature Communications. 2018. 9: 3237.<br/>[2] D. A. Roberts… M. M. Stevens. “Dynamic pH responsivity of triazole-based self-immolative linkers.” Chemical Science. 2020. 11:3713-3718.<br/>[3] C. D. Spicer… M. M. Stevens. “Synthesis of hetero-bifunctional, end-capped oligo-EDOT derivatives.” Chem. 2017. 2(1): 125-138.<br/>[4] K. Ritzau-Reid… M. M. Stevens. “An electroactive oligo-EDOT platform for neural tissue engineering.” Advanced Functional Materials. 2020. DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202003710.<br/>[5] S. Higgins… M. M. Stevens. "Organic Bioelectronics: Using Highly Conjugated Polymers to Interface with Biomolecules, Cells and Tissues in the Human Body". Advanced Materials Technologies. 2020. DOI: 10.1002/admt.202000384.