Seamless Integration of Bioelectronic Interface in an Animal Model via In Vivo Polymerization of Conjugated Oligomers

Leveraging the biocatalytic machinery of living organisms for fabricating functional bioelectronic interfaces in-vivo not only enables seamless integration of microdevices into the tissue but also a greener solution for advanced microfabrication. Previously we have demonstrated that plants can polymerize conjugated oligomers in-vivo forming conductors within their structure. The conjugated polymers integrate within the plant cell wall structure adding electronic functionality into the plant that is then explored for energy storage. Recently we have extended this concept into an animal model system. We demonstrate that Hydra, an invertebrate animal can polymerize intracellularly conjugated oligomers in cells that expresses peroxidase activity and within the adhesive material that is secreted to promote underwater surface adhesion. The conjugated polymer forms electronically conducting and electrochemically active domains in the µm range integrated within the hydra tissue. Furthermore, the introduction and in vivo polymerization of the conjugated oligomer can be used as a biochemical marker to follow the dynamics of Hydra budding (reproduction) and regeneration. Our work paves the way for self-organized electronics in animal tissue for monitoring and modulating biological functions and for in-vivo bio-fabrication of hybrid functional materials and devices.