Proceedings of MATSUS Fall 2023 Conference (MATSUSFall23)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29363/nanoge.matsus.2023.098
Publication date: 18th July 2023
The field of Bioelectronics aims to integrate electronics and biology, offering promising opportunities in various domains. However, a major hurdle in this field is the mechanical mismatch between rigid electronics and the soft nature of living tissues. Bioelectronic devices based on soft and flexible materials, developed by using microfabrication and printing techniques, aim to bridge the mismatch between the two worlds. In contrast, biological processes polymerize small molecules to create intricate micromachines. Inspired by biology, we utilize enzymatic processes and thiophene-based oligomer building blocks to in vivo generate 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 exhibited soft mechanical properties that closely resemble those of natural tissues. Furthermore, we demonstrated the enzymatic construction of organic conductors in various tissues and their application as active materials in organic transistors. Our alternative approach overcomes the limitations of conventional methods, providing opportunities for the development of novel, soft, and bio-compatible electronic interfaces. This paradigm shift in the development of organic bioelectronics opens avenues for healthcare, bioengineering, and beyond.