An Electrochemically Programmable Metasurface with Independently Controlled Metasurface Pixels at Optical Frequencies.

Metasurfaces have revolutionized optical technologies by offering powerful, compact, and versatile solutions to control light. Conducting polymers, characterized by their conjugated molecular structures, facilitate charge transport and exhibit interesting electrical, optical, and mechanical properties. Integrating conducting polymers with optical metasurfaces can unlock new opportunities and functionalities in modern optics. In this work, we demonstrate an electrochemically programmable metasurface with independently controlled metasurface pixels at optical frequencies. Electrochemical modulation of locally conjugated polyaniline on gold nanorods, which are arranged on addressable electrodes according to the Pancharatnam-Berry phase design, enables dynamic control over the metasurface pixels into programmable configurations. With the same metasurface device, we showcase diverse optical functions, including dynamic beam diffraction and varifocal lensing along and off the optical axis. The synergy between flat optics and conducting polymer science holds immense potential to enhance the performance and function versatility of metasurfaces, paving the way for innovative optical applications.

Biodegradable Conducting Polymer-Based Composites for Biomedical Applications-A Review.

In recent years, researchers have increasingly directed their focus toward the biomedical field, driven by the goal of engineering polymer systems that possess a unique combination of both electrical conductivity and biodegradability. This convergence of properties holds significant promise, as it addresses a fundamental requirement for biomedical applications: compatibility with biological environments. These polymer systems are viewed as auspicious biomaterials, precisely because they meet this critical criterion. Beyond their biodegradability, these materials offer a range of advantageous characteristics. Their exceptional processability enables facile fabrication into various forms, and their chemical stability ensures reliability in diverse physiological conditions. Moreover, their low production costs make them economically viable options for large-scale applications. Notably, their intrinsic electrical conductivity further distinguishes them, opening up possibilities for applications that demand such functionality. As the focus of this review, a survey into the use of biodegradable conducting polymers in tissue engineering, biomedical implants, and antibacterial applications is conducted.

Rapid and High-Density Antibody Immobilization Using Electropolymerization of Pyrrole for Highly Sensitive Immunoassay.

Polypyrrole (Ppy) is a biologically compatible polymer that is used as a matrix, in which drugs and enzymes can be incorporated by doping. Here, we suggest an inventive application of Ppy as a biorecognition film encapsulated with an antibody (Ab) as an alternative strategy for the on-site multistep functionalization of thiol-based self-assembled monolayers. The fabrication steps of the recognition films were followed by dropping pyrrole and Ab mixed solutions onto the electrode and obtaining a thin film by direct current electropolymerization. The efficiency of Ab immobilization was studied by using fluorescence microscopy and electrochemical (EC) methods. Finally, the Ab density was increased and immobilized in 1 min, and the sensing performance as an EC immunosensor was demonstrated using α-fetoprotein with a limit of detection of 3.13 pg/mL and sensing range from 1 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL. This study demonstrates the potential for electrochemical functionalization of biomolecules with high affinity and rapidity.

Investigation of TiO2/PPy nanocomposite for photocatalytic applications; synthesis, characterization, and combination with various substrates: a review.

The use of photocatalysis technology, specifically visible light photocatalysis that relies on sustainable solar energy, is the most promising for the degradation of contaminants. The interaction of conducting polymer and titanium dioxide (TiO2) leads to the exchange that enhances the alteration of the semiconductor's surface and subsequently decreases the bandgap energy. Polypyrrole (PPy) and TiO2 nanocomposites have promising potential for photocatalytic degradation. Chemically and electrochemical polymerization are two predominant methods for adding inorganic nanoparticles to a conducting polymer host matrix. The most commonly utilized method for producing PPy/TiO2 nanocomposites is the in-situ chemical oxidative polymerization technique. Immobilizing PPy/TiO2 on substrates causes more charge carriers (electron/hole pairs) to be produced on the surface of TiO2 and enhances the rate of photocatalytic degradation compared to pure TiO2. The increased surface charge affects how electron/hole pairs are formed when visible light is used. This study provides a comprehensive investigation into the synthesis, characterization, application, efficiency, and mechanism of PPy/TiO2 nanocomposites in the photocatalytic degradation process of various pollutants. Furthermore, the effect of stabilizing the TiO2/PPy nanocomposite on various substrates will be investigated. In conclusion, the review outlines the ongoing challenges in utilizing these photocatalysts and highlights the essential concerns that require attention in future research. Its objective is to help researchers better understand photocatalysts and encourage their use in wastewater treatment.

Chemiresistors Based on Hybrid Nanostructures Obtained from Graphene and Conducting Polymers with Potential Use in Breath Methane Detection Associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

This paper describes the process of producing chemiresistors based on hybrid nanostructures obtained from graphene and conducting polymers. The technology of graphene presumed the following: dispersion and support stabilization based on the chemical vapor deposition technique; transfer of the graphene to the substrate by spin-coating of polymethyl methacrylate; and thermal treatment and electrochemical delamination. For the process at T = 950 °C, a better settlement of the grains was noticed, with the formation of layers predominantly characterized by peaks and not by depressions. The technology for obtaining hybrid nanostructures from graphene and conducting polymers was drop-casting, with solutions of Poly(3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) and Poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-co-bithiophene] (F8T2). In the case of F8T2, compared to P3HT, a 10 times larger dimension of grain size and about 7 times larger distances between the peak clusters were noticed. To generate chemiresistors from graphene-polymer structures, an ink-jet printer was used, and the metallization was made with commercial copper ink for printed electronics, leading to a structure of a resistor with an active surface of about 1 cm2. Experimental calibration curves were plotted for both sensing structures, for a domain of CH4 of up to 1000 ppm concentration in air. A linearity of the curve for the low concentration of CH4 was noticed for the graphene structure with F8T2, presenting a sensitivity of about 6 times higher compared with the graphene structure with P3HT, which makes the sensing structure of graphene with F8T2 more feasible and reliable for the medical application of irritable bowel syndrome evaluation.

Electroconductive cardiac patch based on bioactive PEDOT:PSS hydrogels.

Engineering cardiac implants for treating myocardial infarction (MI) has advanced, but challenges persist in mimicking the structural properties and variability of cardiac tissues using traditional bioconstructs and conventional engineering methods. This study introduces a synthetic patch with a bioactive surface designed to swiftly restore functionality to the damaged myocardium. The patch combines a composite, soft, and conductive hydrogel-based on (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene-sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). This cardiac patch exhibits a reasonably high electrical conductivity (40 S/cm) and a stretchability up to 50% of its original length. Our findings reveal its resilience to 10% cyclic stretching at 1 Hz with no loss of conductivity over time. To mediate a strong cell-scaffold adhesion, we biofunctionalize the hydrogel with a N-cadherin mimic peptide, providing the cardiac patch with a bioactive surface. This modification promote increased adherence and proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFbs) while effectively mitigating the formation of bacterial biofilm, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, a common pathogen responsible for surgical site infections (SSIs). Our study demonstrates the successful development of a structurally validated cardiac patch possessing the desired mechanical, electrical, and biofunctional attributes for effective cardiac recovery. Consequently, this research holds significant promise in alleviating the burden imposed by myocardial infarctions.

Bio-based epoxy resin/carbon nanotube coatings applied on cotton fabrics for smart wearable systems.

Electroactive coatings for smart wearable textiles based on a furan bio-epoxy monomer (BOMF) crosslinked with isophorone diamine (IPD) and additivated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are reported herein. The effect of BOMF/IPD molar ratio on the curing reaction, as well as on the properties of the crosslinked resins was first assessed, and it was found that 1.5:1 BOMF/IPD molar ratio provided higher heat of reaction, glass transition temperature, and mechanical performance. The resin was then modified with CNT to prepare electrically conductive nanocomposite films, which exhibited conductivity values increased by eight orders of magnitude upon addition of 5 phr of CNTs. The epoxy/CNT nanocomposites were finally applied as coatings onto a cotton fabric to develop electrically conductive, hydrophobic and breathable textiles. Notably, the integration of CNTs imparted efficient and reversible electrothermal behavior to the cotton fabric, showcasing its potential application in smart and comfortable wearable electronic devices.

Preparation and characterization of hybrid polypyrrole nanoparticles as a conducting polymer with controllable size.

Hybrid polypyrrole (PPy) nanoparticles were prepared using a low-temperature oxidative polymerization process in an acidic solution with polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a template and amine source. The results showed that the nanoparticles have an amorphous structure in the X-ray diffractogram and exhibited good dispersibility in water, uniform size, and a specific conductivity ranging from 0.1 to 6.9 S/cm. The particle size could be tuned from 85 to 300 nm by varying the reactant concentration. Undoping the samples with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution altered the optical absorption properties and surface roughness of the particles. However, it did not affect the particle size. The nanoparticles also exhibited optical sensing properties based on their UV-vis absorption changes with the pH. Moreover, nanoparticles could have potential applications in gene delivery and bio-adsorption for contaminant removal. This work demonstrates a simple and effective method for preparing hybrid polypyrrole nanoparticles with controllable size, dispersibility, and conductivity for various nanotechnology, biotechnology, and environmental engineering purposes.

Thickness Variation of Conductive Polymer Coatings on Si Anodes for the Improved Cycling Stability in Full Pouch Cells.

Si-dominant anodes for Li-ion batteries provide very high gravimetric and volumetric capacity but suffer from low cycling stability due to an unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). In this work, we improved the cycling performance of Si/NCM pouch cells by coating the Si anodes with the conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) prior to cell assembly via an electropolymerization process. The thicknesses of the PEDOT coatings could be adjusted by a facile process parameter variation. Glow-discharge optical emission spectroscopy was used to determine the coating thicknesses on the electrodes prior to the cell assembly. During electrochemical testing, improvements were observed closely linked to the PEDOT coating thickness. Specifically, thinner PEDOT coatings exhibited a higher capacity retention and lower internal resistance in the corresponding pouch cells. For the thinnest coatings, the cell lifetime was 18% higher compared to that of uncoated Si anodes. Postmortem analyses via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy revealed a better-maintained microstructure and a chemically different SEI for the PEDOT-coated anodes.

Detectable quorum signaling molecule via PANI-metal oxides nanocomposites sensors.

The detection of N-hexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL), a crucial signal in Gram-negative bacterial communication, is essential for addressing microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) induced by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in oil and gas industries. Metal oxides (MOx) intercalated into conducting polymers (CPs) offer a promising sensing approach due to their effective detection of biological molecules such as C6-HSL. In this study, we synthesized and characterized two MOx/polyaniline-dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (PANI-DBSA) nanocomposites, namely ZnO/PANI-DBSA and Fe2O3/PANI-DBSA. These nanocomposites were applied with 1% by-weight carbon paste over a carbon working electrode (WE) for qualitative and quantitative detection of C6-HSL through electrochemical analysis. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirmed the composites' capability to monitor C6-HSL produced by SRB-biofilm, with detection limits of 624 ppm for ZnO/PANI-DBSA and 441 ppm for Fe2O3/PANI-DBSA. Furthermore, calorimetric measurements validated the presence of SRB-biofilm, supporting the EIS analysis. The utilization of these MOx/CP nanocomposites offers a practical approach for detecting C6-HSL and monitoring SRB-biofilm formation, aiding in MIC management in oil and gas wells. The ZnO/PANI-DBSA-based sensor exhibited higher sensitivity towards C6-HSL compared to Fe2O3/PANI-DBSA, indicating its potential for enhanced detection capabilities in this context. Stability tests revealed ZnO/PANI-DBSA's superior stability over Fe2O3/PANI-DBSA, with both sensors retaining approximately 85-90% of their initial current after 1 month, demonstrating remarkable reproducibility and durability.

High-Density, Conformable Conducting Polymer-Based Implantable Neural Probes for the Developing Brain.

Neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders substantially impact the pediatric population, but there is a lack of dedicated devices for monitoring the developing brain in animal models, leading to gaps in mechanistic understanding of how brain functions emerge and their disruption in disease states. Due to the small size, fragility, and high water content of immature neural tissue, as well as the absence of a hardened skull to mechanically support rigid devices, conventional neural interface devices are poorly suited to acquire brain signals without inducing damage. Here, the authors design conformable, implantable, conducting polymer-based probes (NeuroShanks) for precise targeting in the developing mouse brain without the need for skull-attached, rigid mechanical support structures. These probes enable the acquisition of high spatiotemporal resolution neurophysiologic activity from superficial and deep brain regions across unanesthetized behavioral states without causing tissue disruption or device failure. Once implanted, probes are mechanically stable and permit precise, stable signal monitoring at the level of the local field potential and individual action potentials. These results support the translational potential of such devices for clinically indicated neurophysiologic recording in pediatric patients. Additionally, the role of organic bioelectronics as an enabling technology to address questions in developmental neuroscience is revealed.

Harmonizing Energies: The Interplay Between a Nonplanar SalEn-Type Molecule and a TEMPO Moiety in a New Hybrid Energy-Storing Redox-Conducting Polymer.

Redox-conducting polymers based on SalEn-type complexes have attracted considerable attention due to their potential applications in electrochemical devices. However, their charge transfer mechanisms, physical and electrochemical properties remain unclear, hindering their rational design and optimization. This study aims to establish the influence of monomer geometry on the polymer's properties by investigating the properties of novel nonplanar SalEn-type complexes, poly[N,N'-bis(salicylidene)propylene-2-(hydroxy)diaminonickel(II)], and its analog with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-N-oxyl (TEMPO)-substituted bridge (MTS). To elucidate the charge transfer mechanism, operando UV-Vis spectroelectrochemical analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance are employed. Introducing TEMPO into the bridge moiety enhanced the specific capacity of the poly(MTS) material to 95 mA h g-1, attributed to TEMPO's and conductive backbone's charge storage capabilities. Replacement of the ethylenediimino-bridge with a 1,3-propylenediimino- bridge induced significant changes in the complex geometry and material's morphology, electrochemical, and spectral properties. At nearly the same potential, polaron and bipolaron particles emerged, suggesting intriguing features at the overlap point of the electroactivity potentials ranges of polaron-bipolaron and TEMPO, such as a disruption in the connection between TEMPO and the conjugation chain or intramolecular charge transfer. These results offer valuable insights for optimizing strategies to create organic materials with tailored properties for use in catalysis and battery applications.

Formation of Anisotropic Conducting Interlayer for High-Resolution Epidermal Electromyography Using Mixed-Conducting Particulate Composite.

Epidermal electrophysiology is a non-invasive method used in research and clinical practices to study the electrical activity of the brain, heart, nerves, and muscles. However, electrode/tissue interlayer materials such as ionically conducting pastes can negatively affect recordings by introducing lateral electrode-to-electrode ionic crosstalk and reducing spatial resolution. To overcome this issue, biocompatible, anisotropic-conducting interlayer composites (ACI) that establish an electrically anisotropic interface with the skin are developed, enabling the application of dense cutaneous sensor arrays. High-density, conformable electrodes are also microfabricated that adhere to the ACI and follow the curvilinear surface of the skin. The results show that ACI significantly enhances the spatial resolution of epidermal electromyography (EMG) recording compared to conductive paste, permitting the acquisition of single muscle action potentials with distinct spatial profiles. The high-density EMG in developing mice, non-human primates, and humans is validated. Overall, high spatial-resolution epidermal electrophysiology enabled by ACI has the potential to advance clinical diagnostics of motor system disorders and enhance data quality for human-computer interface applications.

Biocompatible PANI-Encapsulated Chemically Modified Nano-TiO2 Particles for Visible-Light Photocatalytic Applications.

Polyaniline (PANI) constitutes a very propitious conductive polymer utilized in several biomedical, as well as environmental applications, including tissue engineering, catalysis, and photocatalysis, due to its unique properties. In this study, nano-PANI/N-TiO2 and nano-PANI/Ag-TiO2 photocatalytic composites were fabricated via aniline's oxidative polymerization, while the Ag-and N-chemically modified TiO2 nanopowders were synthesized through the sol-gel approach. All produced materials were fully characterized. Through micro-Raman and FT-IR analysis, the co-existence of PANI and chemically modified TiO2 particles was confirmed, while via XRD analysis the composites' average crystallite size was determined as ≈20 nm. The semi-crystal structure of polyaniline exhibits higher photocatalytic efficiency compared to that of other less crystalline forms. The spherical-shaped developed materials are innovative, stable (zeta potential in the range from -26 to -37 mV), and cost-effective, characterized by enhanced photocatalytic efficiency under visible light (energy band gaps ≈ 2 eV), and synthesized with relatively simple methods, with the possibility of recycling and reusing them in potential future applications in industry, in wastewater treatment as well as in biomedicine. Thus, the PANI-encapsulated Ag and N chemically modified TiO2 nanocomposites exhibit high degradation efficiency towards Rhodamine B dye upon visible-light irradiation, presenting simultaneously high biocompatibility in different normal cell lines.

Chlorpromazine-Polypyrrole Drug Delivery System Tailored for Neurological Application.

Nowadays, drug delivery systems (DDSs) are gaining more and more attention. Conducting polymers (CPs) are efficiently used for DDS construction as such systems can be used in therapy. In this research, a well-known CP, polypyrrole (PPy), was synthesized in the presence of the polysaccharide heparin (HEP) and chlorpromazine (CPZ) using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as electrolyte on a steel substrate. The obtained results demonstrate the successful incorporation of CPZ and HEP into the polymer matrix, with the deposited films maintaining stable electrochemical parameters across multiple doping/dedoping cycles. Surface roughness, estimated via AFM analysis, revealed a correlation with layer thickness-decreasing for thinner layers and increasing for thicker ones. Moreover, SEM images revealed a change in the morphology of PPy films when PPy is electropolymerized in the presence of CPZ and HEP, while FTIR confirmed the presence of CPZ and HEP within PPy. Due to its lower molecular mass compared to HEP, CPZ was readily integrated into the thin polymer matrix during deposition, with diffusion being unimpeded, as opposed to films with greater thickness. Finally, the resulting system exhibited the ability to release CPZ, enabling a dosing range of 10 mg to 20 mg per day, effectively covering the therapeutic concentration range.

Copolymers of Gelatin-graft-poly(3-hexylthiophene) for Transient Electronics.

As transient electronics continue to advance, the demand for new materials has given rise to the exploration of conducting polymer (CP)-based electronic materials. The big challenge lies in balancing conductivity while introducing controlled degradable properties into CP-based transient materials. In response to this, we present in this work a concept of using conducting polymers attached to an enzymatically biodegradable biopolymer to create transient polymer electronics materials. Specifically, poly(3-hexyl thiophene) (P3HT) is covalently grafted onto biopolymer gelatin, affording graft copolymer gelatin-graft-poly(3-hexyl thiophene) (termed Gel-g-P3HT). The thin films of Gel-g-P3HT that were produced by optimized processing solvent (THF/H2O cosolvent) showed enhanced π-π stacking domains of P3HT, resulting in semiconducting thin films with good electroactivity. Due to the presence of amide bonds in the gelatin backbone, Gel-g-P3HT underwent degradation over a period of 5 days, resulting in the formation of amphiphilic micellar nanoparticles that are biocompatible and nontoxic. The potential of these conductive and degradable graft copolymers was demonstrated in a pressure sensor. This research paves the way for developing biocompatible and enzymatically degradable polymer materials based on P3HT, enabling the next generation of transient polymer electronics for diverse applications, such as skin, implantable, and environmental electronics.

Resorbable conductive materials for optimally interfacing medical devices with the living.

Implantable and wearable bioelectronic systems are arising growing interest in the medical field. Linking the microelectronic (electronic conductivity) and biological (ionic conductivity) worlds, the biocompatible conductive materials at the electrode/tissue interface are key components in these systems. We herein focus more particularly on resorbable bioelectronic systems, which can safely degrade in the biological environment once they have completed their purpose, namely, stimulating or sensing biological activity in the tissues. Resorbable conductive materials are also explored in the fields of tissue engineering and 3D cell culture. After a short description of polymer-based substrates and scaffolds, and resorbable electrical conductors, we review how they can be combined to design resorbable conductive materials. Although these materials are still emerging, various medical and biomedical applications are already taking shape that can profoundly modify post-operative and wound healing follow-up. Future challenges and perspectives in the field are proposed.

Advances and Prospects in the Study of Spherical Polyelectrolyte Brushes as a Dopant for Conducting Polymers.

Owing to their special structure and excellent physical and chemical properties, conducting polymers have attracted increasing attention in materials science. In recent years, tremendous efforts have been devoted to improving the comprehensive performance of conducting polymers by using the technique of "doping." Spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (SPBs) bearing polyelectrolyte chains grafted densely to the surface of core particles have the potential to be novel dopant of conducting polymers not only because of their spherical structure, high grafting density and high charge density, but also due to the possibility of their being applied in printed electronics. This review first presents a summary of the general dopants of conducting polymers. Meanwhile, conducting polymers doped with spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (SPBs) is highlighted, including the preparation, characterization, performance and doping mechanism. It is demonstrated that comprehensive performance of conducting polymers has improved with the addition of SPBs, which act as template and dopant in the synthesis of composites. Furthermore, the applications and future developments of conductive composites are also briefly reviewed and proposed, which would draw more attention to this field.

Preparation and investigation of Montmorillonite-K10 Polyaniline nanocomposites for optoelectronic applications.

One-dimensional polyaniline (PANI) nanostructures were synthesized in situ in the presence of two-dimensional (2D) Montmorillonite (MMT) clay nanosheets. Strong interactions between the polymer and MMT platelets in the nanocomposites were confirmed through spectroscopic studies. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic studies revealed the clay's profound effect on the polymer's crystallinity and morphology. The clay nanosheets induced higher crystallinity and well-defined nanorod morphology in the polymer structure. Consequently, the nanocomposite showed an electrical conductivity of 8.72 S/cm, closer to that of the pristine polymer (8.97 S/cm), despite the presence of highly insulting clay material. Surprisingly, a notable decrease in the optical bandgap of the polymer from 3.73 to 2.88 eV of the nanocomposite was also observed. This novel integration of a narrow band gap and high conductivity in PANI/MMT nanocomposites can expand their utility for visible light interactions in areas encompassing photocatalysis, photovoltaics, electro/photochromism, and related technologies.

Miniaturized enantioselective tubular devices for the electromechanical wireless separation of chiral analytes.

Chirality plays a crucial role in different research fields, ranging from fundamental physico-chemistry to applied aspects in materials science and medicine. In this context, enantioselective loading and pumping of chiral analytes for analysis, separation, and cargo delivery applications is an interesting scientific challenge. Herein, we introduce artificial chiral soft electromechanical pumps based on a bi-layer film built up by electrodepositing polypyrrole and an inherently chiral conducting oligomer at its internal surface. The enantioselective device can be driven by bipolar electrochemistry to act as a pump, allowing the selective loading and separation of different chiral analytes injected as pure enantiomers and in racemic form (i.e., doxorubicin, a chemotherapy drug, limonene, carvone, and a chiral ferrocene). The synergy between wireless electromechanical actuation and inherent enantiodiscrimination features makes these actuators excellent candidates for the controlled handling of chiral molecules in the frame of potential applications ranging from analysis to drug delivery.