Polymers and Bioinspired Materials for Organic (Bio)Electronics

Dr. Micaela Matta, University of Liverpool

Abstract: Organic bioelectronic devices feature conducting polymers and polyelectrolytes able
to translate ionic signals into electrical current. Their capability to bridge the signaling gap with
cells and biological media makes ionic/electronic conductors ideal for implantable, diagnostic or
sensing tools. Other applications are in energy storage, logic circuits and memories. However,
we do not yet fully understand the interaction between ionic and electronic charge carriers. Our
choice of materials is limited, and existing polymers have stability and biocompatibility issues. In
collaboration with experimental groups, I am using molecular dynamics to elucidate the
relationships between morphology and ionic/electronic charge transport in polymers for
bioelectronics. My objective is to develop a multiscale model of mixed conduction. Natural
materials that are intrinsically water- and biocompatible represent a valuable alternative to
currently available mixed conductors. Eumelanin (the black pigment in our skin and hair) is a
protonic and electronic conductor, and thus a promising material for bioelectronics. I am
currently developing the first comprehensive structure-property model of eumelanin-inspired
polymers; my goal is to enable their use in biocompatible electronics.

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