Enzymatically Polymerized Organic Conductors on Native Lipid Membranes.

The dual capability of conductive polymers to conduct ions and electrons, in combination with their flexible mechanical properties, makes them ideal for bioelectronic applications. This study explores the enzymatic polymerization of water-soluble π-conjugated monomers on native lipid bilayers derived from the F11 cell line, mimicking mammalian neural membranes. Enzymatic polymerization was catalyzed using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the presence of oxidant hydrogen peroxide (HO) and monitored via electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (EQCM-D) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Decoupling Conductivity, Heterogeneous Electron Transfer Rate, and Diffusion in Organic Molecular Electrocatalysis: Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene).

The electrified production of hydrogen peroxide (HO) by oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is attractive to increase the sustainability of chemical industry. Here the same chains of intrinsically conductive polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) are utilized, as ORR electrocatalyst, while varying polymeric primary dopants (PSS and Nafion) and the level of secondary doping with DMSO. These changes modulate various properties of the film, such as its microscale organization and electronic conductivity.

From synthetic vesicles to living cells: Anchoring conducting polymers to cell membrane.

Coupling biology with electronics is emerging as a transformative approach in developing advanced medical treatments, with examples ranging from implants for treating neurological disorders to biosensors for real-time monitoring of physiological parameters. The electrodes used for these purposes often face challenges such as signal degradation due to biofouling and limited biocompatibility, which can lead to inaccurate readings and tissue damage over time. Conducting organic polymers are a promising alternative because of their mechanical, chemical, and physical properties, which better match the ones of biological systems.

Interconnecting EDOT-Based Polymers with Native Lignin toward Enhanced Charge Storage in Conductive Wood.

The 3D micro- and nanostructure of wood has extensively been employed as a template for cost-effective and renewable electronic technologies. However, other electroactive components, in particular native lignin, have been overlooked due to the absence of an approach that allows access of the lignin through the cell wall. In this study, we introduce an approach that focuses on establishing conjugated-polymer-based electrical connections at various length scales within the wood structure, aiming to leverage the charge storage capacity of native lignin in wood-based energy storage electrodes.

In Vivo Photopolymerization: Achieving Detailed Conducting Patterns for Bioelectronics.

Bioelectronics holds great potential as therapeutics, but introducing conductive structures within the body poses great challenges. While implanted rigid and substrate-bound electrodes often result in inflammation and scarring in vivo, they outperform the in situ-formed, more biocompatible electrodes by providing superior control over electrode geometry. For example, one of the most researched methodologies, the formation of conductive polymers through enzymatic catalysis in vivo, is governed by diffusion control due to the slow kinetics, with curing times that span several hours to days.