Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yizhou Zhong, Abdulelah Saleh, Sahika Inal
Summary: OECTs have unique characteristics such as high transconductance, flexibility, and biocompatibility, making them ideal for detecting electrophysiological signals, but their performance should be optimized for various application environments. This review provides an overview of OECT working principles and methods for optimization, as well as research examples and perspectives for next-generation bioelectric sensors and amplifiers in electrophysiology applications.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Siew Ting Melissa Tan, Aristide Gumyusenge, Tyler James Quill, Garrett Swain LeCroy, Giorgio Ernesto Bonacchini, Ilaria Denti, Alberto Salleo
Summary: Organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs) have gained interest due to their multifunctionality and responsiveness to stimuli. By modulating their charge states and properties, OMIECs can exhibit exciting new characteristics and provide new degrees of freedom in device design. The application of the organic synthetic toolbox offers various chemical and structural design approaches to modify OMIECs' properties.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Laura M. Ferrari, Bruno Rodriguez-Meana, Alberto Bonisoli, Annarita Cutrone, Silvestro Micera, Xavier Navarro, Francesco Greco, Jaume del Valle
Summary: A new regenerative nerve cuff electrode based on a novel fabrication strategy combining conducting and heat-shrinkable polymers showed promising results in animal models for functional recovery and axonal regeneration support. The electrodes were able to stimulate regenerated motor axons and induce muscular response three months post-implantation, paving the way for cost-effective manufacturing of transparent nerve interfaces with polymeric microelectrodes in the field of neuroprosthetics.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Dong Hyun Lee, Eun Kwang Lee, Chae Hyun Kim, Hyung Joong Yun, Young-Joon Kim, Hocheon Yoo
Summary: To increase human lifespan, healthcare monitoring devices are crucial. Commercial wet electrodes have high conductivity but pose problems after long-term use. Therefore, we propose a dry electrode that can be reused for an extended period and reliably detects biosignals.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Riccardo Raho, Elisa Scarpa, Antonio Nunzio D'Angelo, Denis Desmaele, Federica Raheli, Antonio Qualtieri, Francesco Rizzi, Massimo De Vittorio
Summary: This paper reports on the fabrication and characterization of a novel reusable Flexible Dry Electrode (FDE) for medical applications. The FDEs were made using two flexible substrates and conductive layers, and their performance was tested and compared to commercial gel electrodes. The results showed that the FDEs had comparable performance in bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measurements and demonstrated promising long-term reliability for wearable and portable devices.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Katharina Lieberth, Paolo Romele, Fabrizio Torricelli, Dimitrios A. Koutsouras, Maximilian Bruckner, Volker Mailander, Paschalis Gkoupidenis, Paul W. M. Blom
Summary: This report provides an overview of using organic electrochemical transistors (OECT) as biosensors for impedance sensing of cell layers, with a focus on the enhanced ion-sensitivity achieved through current-driven OECT. The potential applications of this technology in drug delivery and toxicology studies are also discussed.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Poppy Oldroyd, Johannes Gurke, George G. Malliaras
Summary: This study examines the stability of thin film electrodes and finds that the PEDOT:PSS coating can slow down the corrosion of Au electrodes. Pristine PEDOT:PSS electrodes show the highest stability, which is promising for long-term in vivo neuromodulation applications.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiayao Duan, Genming Zhu, Junxin Chen, Chenyang Zhang, Xiuyuan Zhu, Hailiang Liao, Zhengke Li, Hanlin Hu, Iain McCulloch, Christian B. Nielsen, Wan Yue
Summary: Researchers have reported a new electron-deficient, fused polycyclic aromatic compound, TNR, with excellent n-type mixed conduction properties. By optimizing the side chains, the dominant molecular packing can be changed to support highly efficient mixed conduction properties across the bulk semiconductor film.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juanyong Wan, Xi Fan, Yunfei Li, Pengcheng Li, Ting Zhang, Kwun Nam Hui, Huihui Huang, Kai Kang, Lei Qian
Summary: In this study, a flexible transparent electrode of PEDOT:PSS with highly electrical conductivity and raised Seebeck coefficient was achieved through thionyl chloride treatments. The comprehensive evaluation and description of the PEDOT:PSS transparent electrodes' optical, electrical, morphological, structural, and thermoelectrical properties, work function, and stability were conducted. Based on the PEDOT:PSS transparent electrodes, flexible organic solar cells with a high power conversion efficiency of 15.12% and flexible thermoelectric devices with a raised power factor of 115.9 mu W m(-1) K-2 were obtained, surpassing the performance of rigid thermoelectric devices treated with conventional acid and base methods.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xi Fan
Summary: In the past decade, substantial effort has been devoted to the development of flexible transparent electrodes (FTEs) for flexible organic solar cells (OSCs). Various materials and methods have been researched to enhance the performance of flexible OSCs, pointing towards promising advancements and wide-ranging prospects.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Gonzalo E. Fenoy, Omar Azzaroni, Wolfgang Knoll, Waldemar A. Marmisolle
Summary: Organic bioelectronics involves the integration of organic semiconductors with living organisms, achieved through various functionalization methods and bioconjugation techniques. These approaches enable the fabrication of platforms for organic bioelectronic devices and interfaces for effective interaction between organic materials and biological systems.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zachary S. Parr, Jorge Borges-Gonzalez, Reem B. Rashid, Karl J. Thorley, Dilara Meli, Bryan D. Paulsen, Joseph Strzalka, Jonathan Rivnay, Christian B. Nielsen, Jorge Borges-Gonzalez
Summary: Organic mixed conductors have attracted significant interest for bioelectronic applications. This study demonstrates the design and characterization of polymeric mixed conductors with different properties by using three different building blocks. Experimental and computational techniques are employed to investigate the electrochemical, structural, and mixed ionic and electronic properties of these polymers, allowing the derivation of important structure-property relations. The findings provide molecular-design strategies for efficient transistor operation in an aqueous environment.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christina M. Tringides, David J. Mooney
Summary: Surface electrode arrays are mainly made of rigid or elastic materials and ductile metal films, offering limited stretchability. They are often repurposed for different tissues without optimizing the materials and mechanical properties for the specific application. To improve tissue interfaces and reduce damage, it is important to characterize the biological environment and design technology accordingly for each specific organ.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Roman Halaksa, Ji Hwan Kim, Karl J. Thorley, Peter A. Gilhooly-Finn, Hyungju Ahn, Achilleas Savva, Myung-Han Yoon, Christian B. Nielsen
Summary: Functionalized thiophenes in the 3-position are commonly used as building blocks for organic semiconductors. The non-centrosymmetric nature of these compounds has been utilized in synthetic design and has led to the development of polymers with different properties. The recent interest in 3-alkoxythiophene based polymers for bioelectronic applications brings attention to the regiochemistry of these systems and their attractive intramolecular interactions. By studying a series of six polythiophene derivatives with varying regiochemistry and comonomer composition, we investigate the geometrical and electronic effects on their properties.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Henrique F. P. Barbosa, German D. Gomez Higuita, Florian Gunther, Gregorio C. Faria
Summary: The article proposes a new method using modified PEDOT:PSS synthesis to obtain low-charge density PEDOT:PSS inks for constructing neuromorphic devices, achieving stability and tunable charge-density materials.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stephen J. K. O'Neill, Zehuan Huang, Mohammed H. Ahmed, Alexander J. Boys, Santiago Velasco-Bosom, Jiaxuan Li, Roisin M. Owens, Jade A. McCune, George G. Malliaras, Oren A. Scherman
Summary: This study introduces an electrically conductive supramolecular polymer network that exhibits both electronic and ionic conductivity and maintains tissue-mimetic mechanical properties. By designing an ultrahigh affinity host-guest ternary complex and embedding it as dynamic cross-links, a conducting polymer with high stretchability and rapid self-recovery was synthesized.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ju An Park, Yejin Youm, Hwa-Rim Lee, Yongwoo Lee, Sarah L. Barron, Taejeong Kwak, Gyu Tae Park, Young-Cheol Song, Roisin M. Owens, Jae Ho Kim, Sungjune Jung
Summary: A cell sheet transfer method from a culture surface to a target tissue is introduced in this study. UV-treated parylene, a commercially available flexible material, is used as the culture surface to provide adequate cell adhesiveness for both cell attachment during culture and efficient transfer. Various cell types are successfully transferred using this versatile cell-transfer process. The mechanism of interfacial cell migration between surfaces with different adhesion preferences is observed, and the re-establishment and reversal of cell polarity after transfer are identified. The unique capabilities of 3D multilayer stacking, freeform design, and curved surface application are demonstrated. The therapeutic potential of the cell-sheet delivery system is demonstrated through experiments on cutaneous wound healing and skin-tissue regeneration in mice models.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Begona Abad, Kirstin Alberi, Katherine E. Ayers, Sushmee Badhulika, Chunmei Ban, Helene Bea, Fanny Beron, Julie Cairney, Jane P. Chang, Christine Charles, Mariadriana Creatore, Hui Dong, Jia Du, Renate Egan, Karin Everschor-Sitte, Cathy Foley, Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, Myung-Hwa Jung, Hyunjung Kim, Sarah Kurtz, Jieun Lee, Diana C. Leitao, Kristina Lemmer, Amy C. Marschilok, Bogdana Mitu, Bonna K. Newman, Roisin Owens, Anna-Maria Pappa, Youngah Park, Michelle Peckham, Liane M. Rossi, Sang-Hee Shim, Saima Afroz Siddiqui, Ji-Won Son, Sabina Spiga, Sedina Tsikata, Elisa Vianello, Karen Wilson, Hiromi Yuasa, Ilaria Zardo, Iryna Zenyuk, Yanfeng Zhang, Yudi Zhao
Summary: Women have made significant contributions to applied physics research and their involvement is crucial for ongoing progress. The Roadmap on Women in Applied Physics, written by female scientists and engineers, aims to celebrate their achievements, showcase established and early career researchers expanding boundaries in their fields, and increase visibility of women's impact on applied physics research. The topics covered include plasma materials processing and propulsion, super-resolution microscopy, bioelectronics, spintronics, superconducting quantum interference device technology, quantum materials, 2D materials, catalysis and surface science, fuel cells, batteries, photovoltaics, neuromorphic computing and devices, nanophotonics and nanophononics, and nanomagnetism. The intention is to inspire more women to enter these fields and foster inclusivity within the scientific community.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Georg Krainer, Kadi L. Saar, William E. Arter, Timothy J. Welsh, Magdalena A. Czekalska, Raphael P. B. Jacquat, Quentin Peter, Walther C. Traberg, Arvind Pujari, Akhila K. Jayaram, Pavankumar Challa, Christopher G. Taylor, Lize-Mari van der Linden, Titus Franzmann, Roisin M. Owens, Simon Alberti, David Klenerman, Tuomas P. J. Knowles
Summary: The authors developed a digital immunosensor assay called DigitISA, which uses microchip electrophoretic separation and single-molecule detection to quantitate protein biomarkers in a single, solution-phase step. This method overcomes the limitations of surface-capture based assays and provides more information beyond simple concentration measurements, making it important for protein biomarker detection.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Walther C. Traberg, Johana Uribe, Victor Druet, Adel Hama, Chrysanthi-Maria Moysidou, Miriam Huerta, Reece McCoy, Daniel Hayward, Achilleas Savva, Amaury M. R. Genovese, Suraj Pavagada, Zixuan Lu, Anil Koklu, Anna-Maria Pappa, Rebecca Fitzgerald, Sahika Inal, Susan Daniel, Roisin M. Owens
Summary: A functional phenotypic screening platform based on organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) is developed for real-time, noninvasive monitoring of tumor-derived extracellular vesicle (TEV)-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and screening of antimetastatic drugs. The TEVs derived from the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 induce EMT in nonmalignant breast epithelial cells (MCF10A), and heparin is identified as an effective blocker of TEV-induced EMT.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Karan Bali, Reece McCoy, Zixuan Lu, Jeremy Treiber, Achilleas Savva, Clemens F. Kaminski, George Salmond, Alberto Salleo, Ioanna Mela, Rita Monson, Roisin M. Owens
Summary: The use of phages as antibiotics has gained interest due to the declining effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. This study demonstrates the use of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) derived from Gram-negative bacteria to create in vitro membrane models for detecting phage interactions. The findings show potential for identifying phages that can combat bacterial strains of interest.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Achilleas Savva, Adel Hama, Gabriel Herrera-Lopez, Tony Schmidt, Ludovico Migliaccio, Nadia Steiner, Malak Kawan, Hubert Fiumelli, Pierre J. Magistretti, Iain Mcculloch, Derya Baran, Nicola Gasparini, Rainer Schindl, Eric D. Glowacki, Sahika Inal
Summary: Recent advances in light-responsive materials have allowed for the development of devices that can wirelessly activate tissue using light. This study demonstrates that solution-processed organic heterojunctions can stimulate the activity of primary neurons at low light intensities through photochemical reactions. The high photosensitivity of the p-n junction formed by the p-type semiconducting polymer PDCBT and the n-type semiconducting small molecule ITIC enables the conversion of low-intensity white light into a cue that triggers action potentials in primary cortical neurons.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dimitrios Simatos, Ian E. Jacobs, Illia Dobryden, Malgorzata Nguyen, Achilleas Savva, Deepak Venkateshvaran, Mark Nikolka, Jerome Charmet, Leszek J. Spalek, Mindaugas Gicevicius, Youcheng Zhang, Guillaume Schweicher, Duncan J. Howe, Sarah Ursel, John Armitage, Ivan B. Dimov, Ulrike Kraft, Weimin Zhang, Maryam Alsufyani, Iain Mcculloch, Roisin M. Owens, Per M. Claesson, Tuomas P. J. Knowles, Henning Sirringhaus
Summary: Organic semiconductors are sensitive to processing-induced contamination, affecting their performance and stability. This study identifies and quantifies contaminants from the glovebox atmosphere and laboratory consumables, and establishes clean fabrication protocols to improve the performance and stability of organic field effect transistors (OFETs). The findings highlight the importance of understanding and mitigating unintentional contaminants in organic electronic devices for accurate interpretation and reproducibility.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Roisin M. Owens
Summary: The FDA modernization act 2.0, signed into law by President Biden in December 2022, encourages the use of alternatives to animal testing for drug discovery. Cell-based assays are one important alternative, however they are currently not fit for purpose. The use of 3D, tissue engineered models represents a key development opportunity, to enable development of models of human tissues and organs.
MRS COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
William Etheridge, Frederic Brossard, Sitan Zheng, Svenja Moench, Suraj Pavagada, Roisin M. Owens, Ljiljana Fruk
Summary: By using polydopamine and gold nanoparticles, the reaction rate of copper-selective DNA cleaving DNAzyme can be significantly enhanced, making the combination of polydopamine and DNAzyme suitable for practical applications as a sensitive biosensor for Cu(ii) ions. Deposition of DNAzyme onto a gold electrode followed by Polydopamine Assisted DNA Immobilisation (PADI) allows for the development of a cost-effective, label-free, and fast electrochemical biosensor with a low limit of detection, thus paving the way for a new generation of hybrid DNAzyme-based biosensors.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Achilleas Savva, Janire Saez, Aimee Withers, Chiara Barberio, Verena Stoeger, Shani Elias-Kirma, Zixuan Lu, Chrysanthi-Maria Moysidou, Konstantinos Kallitsis, Charalampos Pitsalidis, Roisin M. Owens
Summary: Researchers have developed three-dimensional bioelectronic devices based on the electroactive polymer PEDOT:PSS for non-invasive electrical monitoring of stem cell growth. The properties and structure of the PEDOT:PSS scaffolds can be adjusted by changing processing parameters, allowing for support of stem cell cultures. The increase in cell population within the PEDOT:PSS network can be monitored by measuring the interface resistance, enabling the monitoring of stem cell proliferation.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sarah L. Barron, Sophie V. Oldroyd, Janire Saez, Alice Chernaik, Wenrui Guo, Frank Mccaughan, David Bulmer, Roisin M. Owens
Summary: This study presents a flexible all-planar electronic device capable of monitoring barrier formation and perturbations in human respiratory and intestinal cells at the air liquid interface (ALI). By analyzing patient samples using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and equivalent circuit models, disease-specific and patient-specific signatures are identified. The device's readouts are validated against commercially available chopstick electrodes and demonstrate superior conformability, sensitivity, and biocompatibility. This work lays the foundation for a physiologically relevant sensor capable of mapping local and real-time changes in epithelial barrier function at ALI, with broad applications in toxicology and drug screening.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)