Work

Toward organic electronics with properties inspired by biological tissue

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: The carbon framework common to both organic semiconductors and biological structures suggests that these two classes of materials should be easily integrated. Substantial work, however, will be required to endow synthetic electroactive materials with properties resembling those of biological tissue, which exhibits extreme elasticity, biodegradability, and the capacity for self-repair. This Highlight reviews successful integration of organic semiconductor devices with biological systems, for example, in wearable and implantable health monitors and prosthetic devices. It then points to recent work in the areas of molecularly stretchable electronics, whole devices that can degrade under physiological conditions, and conjugated polymers capable of self-healing, which together suggest the possibility of a future in which organic electronics and biological tissue can interact seamlessly.

Source: Journal of Materials Chemistry B

DOI: 10.1039/c5tb00173k

Authors: Timothy F. O'Connor, Kirtana M. Rajan, Adam D. Printz, Darren J. Lipomi

Institutions: University of California System, University of California San Diego

Language: English

Topic: Organic Electronics and Photovoltaics

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: University of California, San Diego, National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate, Office of Naval Research, Air Force Office of Scientific Research

Awards: G1523888516, G6098521345, G855115058