Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Matthew S. Ting, Badri Narayanan Narasimhan, Jadranka Travas-Sejdic, Jenny Malmstrom
Summary: Conducting polymer hydrogel composites combine the elastic properties of hydrogels with the redox properties of conducting polymers to achieve out-of-plane actuation with excellent strain performance. The composite material maintains a stable Young's Modulus and exhibits higher actuation performance, potentially applicable in soft actuators, drug delivery, and cell culture studies.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
A. M. Youssef, M. S. Hasanin, M. E. Abd El-Aziz, G. M. Turky
Summary: The study focuses on the preparation of a cheap and simple chitosan/hydroxyl ethylcellulose/polyaniline loaded with graphene oxide doped by silver nanoparticles as a biodegradable hydrogel for energy storage technology. The addition of graphene oxide doped with silver nanoparticles enhances the conductivity of the hydrogels significantly while maintaining biocompatibility and antibacterial properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ahmed El-Shahat Etman, Asmaa Mohammed Ibrahim, Fatma Al-Zahraa Mostafa Darwish, Khaled Faisal Qasim
Summary: Supercapacitors are a promising technology for sustainable development, with benefits like high capacitance and rate capability, long cycle life, and low processing cost. Conducting polymer-based materials, such as polypyrrole, polyaniline, and polythiophene, show potential for use in supercapacitors due to their conductivity, flexibility, and low cost. This review summarizes recent research progress in developing CP-based composites for supercapacitors, focusing on their effects on supercapacitive parameters and diffusion mechanism. The review also provides suggestions for the future development of CP-based supercapacitors.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Xue, Xingmei Chen, Fucheng Wang, Jingsen Lin, Ji Liu
Summary: Conducting polymer hydrogels are widely used as coatings for metallic electrodes to create mechanically compliant interfaces and reduce foreign body responses. However, concerns regarding fatigue crack propagation and delamination have limited their long-term viability. This study presents a method for achieving fatigue-resistant conducting polymer hydrogel coatings on metallic bioelectrodes by introducing nanocrystalline domains at the hydrogel-metal interface. The results show that this robust and biocompatible coating effectively reduces the required voltage for cardiac pacing and improves the long-term reliability of electric stimulation, indicating its potential for future bioelectronic interfaces.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Chaojie Yu, Fanglian Yao, Junjie Li
Summary: Recently, injectable conducting polymer-based hydrogels have gained attention in tissue engineering due to their controlled conductivity and minimally invasive procedures. Functional CPs play a crucial role in designing these hydrogels and have potential applications in neurological treatment, myocardial repair, and skeletal muscle regeneration.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jupen Liu, Bo Zhang, Ping Zhang, Keqi Zhao, Zhe Lu, Hongqiu Wei, Zijian Zheng, Rusen Yang, You Yu
Summary: This study presents a protein crystallization-mediated self-strengthening strategy to fabricate printable conducting organohydrogels. The resulting organohydrogels exhibit excellent mechanical properties and durability, as well as electromagnetic shielding, thermal conducting properties, and temperature- and light-responsibility.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiajun Zhang, Lulu Wang, Yu Xue, Iek Man Lei, Xingmei Chen, Pei Zhang, Chengcheng Cai, Xiangyu Liang, Yi Lu, Ji Liu
Summary: Coating conventional metallic electrodes with conducting polymers enables the bioelectrodes to have desirable characteristics for bioelectronics. However, the fragile interface between the conducting polymer and the electrode limits their utility and reliability. In this study, a reliable strategy for seamlessly connecting conventional electrodes with conducting hydrogel coatings is established, which improves the long-term robustness of the interface. Through in vivo implantation in mouse models, stable electrophysiological recording is achieved with a robust conducting hydrogel-electrode interface. This design strategy addresses technical challenges in bioelectrode engineering and opens up new avenues for diagnostic brain-machine interfaces.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yiming Liu, Tsz Hung Wong, Xingcan Huang, Chun Ki Yiu, Yuyu Gao, Ling Zhao, Jingkun Zhou, Wooyoung Park, Zhao Zhao, Kuanming Yao, Hu Li, Huiling Jia, Jian Li, Jiyu Li, Ya Huang, Mengge Wu, Binbin Zhang, Dengfeng Li, Chao Zhang, Zuankai Wang, Xinge Yu
Summary: This paper reports a transparent triboelectric nanogenerator (T-TENG) based on a single-electrode mode, which exhibits remarkable electrical performance and good stretchability. By using a self-developed hydrogel as the conductive layer, the T-TENG achieves high stretchability, high conductivity, and good transparency. The T-TENG demonstrates great output power and remains stable after multiple cycles of stretching, folding, twisting, and tapping. This generator shows promising applications in the development of self-powered flexible electronics.
Article
Polymer Science
Helena Munoz-Galan, Brenda G. Molina, Oscar Bertran, Maria M. Perez-Madrigal, Carlos Aleman
Summary: Innovative insulin delivery systems that combine rapid release and sustained release profiles can effectively regulate diabetes therapy.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Can Ge, Zheheng Song, Yu Yuan, Beibei Song, Song Ren, Wei Wei, Haoyue Zhao, Baoquan Sun, Jian Fang
Summary: A hydrogel made from conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS is used as a photothermal material, which reduces energy consumption during water molecule evaporation. The hydrogel achieves high evaporation rate and efficiency, and maintains good performance after long-term desalination.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Ren Shen, A'man Lv, Shuhong Yi, Ping Wang, Pui-In Mak, Rui P. Martins, Yanwei Jia
Summary: Since the identification of DNA/RNA as the genetic material, nucleic acid analysis has played a crucial role in molecular diagnostics, disease prediction, prognosis, and basic biological research. Among various platforms, electrowetting-based digital microfluidics (DMF) has emerged as a promising tool, allowing for the manipulation of individual droplets using electrical signals. This review highlights the technical principles supporting nucleic acid analysis on DMF platforms, recent advances in applications including extraction, amplification, and sequencing, as well as the commercialization status and future prospects of DMF for nucleic acid analysis.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qifan Liu, Jianhui Qiu, Chao Yang, Limin Zang, Guohong Zhang, Eiichi Sakai, Hong Wu, Shaoyun Guo
Summary: The flexible supercapacitor is a promising energy storage device with high energy density, stable energy supply, interchangeable electrodes, and robust flexibility, demonstrating excellent electrochemical and mechanical properties.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Haitao Lu, Lili Yang, Yan Zhou, Ronghan Qu, Yang Xu, Shuqi Shang, Ni Hui
Summary: The study developed a non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor based on conducting polymer hydrogels for the detection of carbaryl, showing strong affinity and excellent hydrophilic and electrochemical properties. The sensor exhibited a linear response range and low detection limit, making it a promising method for the detection of pesticide residues in real samples in agricultural safety and environmental monitoring.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoli Xie, Wenjing Ma, Meiran Xie, Ruyi Sun
Summary: This study demonstrates controllable ion conductivity in light-triggered supramolecular ionic hydrogels, providing an efficient way to enhance fundamental understanding of photoconductive mechanisms and manufacture multifunctional hydrogel electronics and optoelectronic materials.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yijie Xiang, Paul Fulmek, Daniel Platz, Ulrich Schmid
Summary: In this study, the electrowetting behavior of Teflon AF1600, a widely used hydrophobic material, was investigated. The results showed that the contact angle of Teflon AF1600 was influenced by both temperature-independent friction force and temperature-dependent liquid adsorption. Understanding the effects of these factors is important for predicting and controlling the contact angle in electrowetting applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
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
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
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Santiago Velasco-Bosom, Johannes Gurke, Sanggil Han, Michael C. Lee, George G. Malliaras
Summary: In this study, flexible and adhesive interdigitated electrodes were developed with a PEDOT:PSS coating, which improved the safety and selectivity of electrical stimulation. The effectiveness of the device was demonstrated through experiments, showing its potential as a diagnostic and monitoring tool for SFN.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexander J. Boys, Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte, Amparo Gueemes-Gonzalez, Douglas C. van Niekerk, Sam Hilton, Damiano G. Barone, Christopher M. Proctor, Roisin M. Owens, George G. Malliaras
Summary: Bioelectronics is crucial for understanding and treating disease, but stable, long-term interfaces with the body are challenging. Combining techniques from regenerative medicine and electronics can create implants that integrate with tissue and enable sophisticated recording and stimulation. A hybrid implant system using a microelectrode array and a bioresorbable gel is constructed and shown to produce minimal foreign body response when implanted in muscle, allowing for long-term electromyographic signal recording with high resolution. This opens up possibilities for a new generation of long-term implantable electronics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sagnik Middya, Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte, Vincenzo F. F. Curto, Sam Hilton, Andreas Genewsky, Alexandra L. L. Rutz, Damiano G. Barone, Gabriele S. Kaminski S. Schierle, Anton Sirota, George G. G. Malliaras
Summary: Traditionally, silicon probes have limitations in studying the brain due to the mechanical mismatch and resulting chronic damage to neural tissue. To overcome this, a flexible neural probe design that imitates the functionality of silicon arrays is presented, offering a tissue-compatible alternative for recording neural activity. The probe is delivered using a detachable 3D printed implanter through hydrophobic-coated shuttles, allowing for minimal movement. Validation experiments demonstrate the feasibility of long-term chronic monitoring of neural ensembles.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yongwoo Lee, Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte, Sanggil Han, Ben J. Woodington, Seungjin Chai, Anastasios G. Polyravas, Santiago Velasco-Bosom, Eun-Hee Kim, George G. Malliaras, Sungjune Jung
Summary: Neural recording systems continue to advance in order to better understand and treat neurological diseases. This study introduces inkjet-printed organic voltage amplifiers that integrate organic electrochemical transistors and thin-film polymer resistors on a flexible substrate for in vivo brain activity recording. These amplifiers reduce noise and allow for fine-tuning of voltage amplification and frequency properties. In a rat model, they successfully record local field potentials in spontaneous and epileptiform activity, making them promising for efficient sensory data processing at sensor endpoints.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Maximilian T. Becker, Poppy Oldroyd, Nives Strkalj, Moritz L. Mueller, George G. Malliaras, Judith L. MacManus-Driscoll
Summary: We demonstrate ferroelectric and bipolar impedance switching behavior in 18-nm-thick epitaxial BaTiO3 (BTO) films and explore its potential as a ferroelectric microelectrode in bioelectronics. Cyclic voltammetry measurements show characteristic ferroelectric switching peaks in the bipolar current-voltage loop. Small-signal electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements indicate bipolar impedance switching behavior with a maximum impedance ratio of 1.5 at 100 Hz frequency. This research represents a key step towards neural recordings with ferroelectric microelectrodes.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dongxun Lyu, Yanting Jin, Pieter C. M. M. Magusin, Simone Sturniolo, Evan Wenbo Zhao, Shunsuke Yamamoto, Scott T. Keene, George G. Malliaras, Clare P. Grey
Summary: Operando NMR spectroscopy is used to quantify cation and water movement in organic mixed conductors, providing insights into charge-compensating interactions and ionic dynamics. The study sheds light on the working principles of organic mixed conductors and demonstrates the utility of operando NMR spectroscopy in revealing structure-property relationships in electroactive polymers.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Amparo Gumes Gonzalez, Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte, Sam Hilton, George Malliaras
Summary: This study aims to develop a comprehensive decoding framework for a multivariate physiological model of vagus nerve transmission, revealing the complex interactions between the nervous and metabolic systems. The study found that a decrease in glucose levels was negatively correlated with an increase in firing activity of the vagus nerve, with the afferent response being more similar to the intact nerve. It was also discovered that the vagus afferent encodes breathing information through amplitude and firing rate modulation.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Scott T. Keene, Akshay Rao, George G. Malliaras
Summary: In this study, in situ measurements of electrochemical (de)doping of an archetypal OMIEC were used to inform a quasi-field drift-diffusion model, accurately capturing experimentally measured ion transport. The research found that the chemical potential of holes represents a major driving force for mixed charge transport. Numerical simulations showed that the competition between hole drift and diffusion leads to diffuse space charge regions in spite of high charge densities, unique to mixed conducting systems.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yongwoo Lee, Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte, Sanggil Han, Ben J. Woodington, Seungjin Chai, Anastasios G. Polyravas, Santiago Velasco-Bosom, Eun-Hee Kim, George G. Malliaras, Sungjune Jung
Summary: Flexible transistor-based active neural probes have great potential in advancing the understanding and treatment of neurological diseases. This study presents inkjet-printed organic voltage amplifiers that integrate organic electrochemical transistors and thin-film polymer resistors for in vivo brain activity recording. This innovative approach enables efficient and reliable signal processing for sensory data at sensor endpoints.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jon Lopez de Lacalle, Matias L. Picchio, Antonio Dominguez-Alfaro, Ruben Ruiz-Mateos Serrano, Bastien Marchiori, Isabel del Agua, Naroa Lopez-Larrea, Miryam Criado-Gonzalez, George G. Malliaras, David Mecerreyes
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of hydrophobic eutectogels as water-resistant electrodes, which possess adjustable mechanical properties and excellent stability for recording electromyography (EMG) signals in both underwater and air environments.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Amparo Guemes, Antonio Dominguez-Alfaro, Ryo Mizuta, Santiago Velasco-Bosom, Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte, Damiano G. Barone, David Mecerreyes, George Malliaras
Summary: Tungsten microwires are widely used in neuroscience due to their strength, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. However, limitations such as high impedance and foreign body reactions hinder their use in electrophysiology. This study presents a novel method for coating tungsten microwires with PEDOT, which improves their electrical characteristics and enhances signal quality.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Edilene A. da Silva, Cedric Samuel, Leonardo N. Furini, Carlos Jose L. Constantino, Nathalie Redon, Caroline Duc
Summary: In this study, highly sensitive ammonia sensors based on acidic-doped polyaniline and polyurethane were proposed. The influence of polyurethane on the film structure and sensing performances of polyaniline was investigated by varying the mass ratios between the polymers. The results showed that the presence of polyurethane significantly enhanced the sensitivity of the sensors without interfering with the main sensing features of polyaniline. Furthermore, polyurethane mitigated the influence of humidity on the sensors and decreased the drift of the devices, increasing their lifespan.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Patrik Gubeljak, Tianhui Xu, Lorenzo Pedrazzetti, Oliver J. Burton, Luca Magagnin, Stephan Hofmann, George G. Malliaras, Antonio Lombardo
Summary: This paper presents a novel sensor based on graphene coplanar waveguides and microfluidic channels for the identification of non-amplified DNA sequences and single-base mutations. The sensor demonstrates high sensitivity and the ability to generate multidimensional datasets for advanced data analysis, achieving accurate discrimination between different DNA sequences even in the presence of noise and low signal-to-noise ratios.
