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Programmable Hydrogel Ionic Circuits for Biologically Matched Electronic Interfaces
Author(s) -
Zhao Siwei,
Tseng Peter,
Grasman Jonathan,
Wang Yu,
Li Wenyi,
Napier Bradley,
Yavuz Burcin,
Chen Ying,
Howell Laurel,
Rincon Javier,
Omenetto Fiorenzo G.,
Kaplan David L.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201800598
Subject(s) - materials science , electronics , self healing hydrogels , electronic circuit , nanotechnology , flexible electronics , ethylene glycol , electrical engineering , chemistry , engineering , organic chemistry , polymer chemistry
The increased need for wearable and implantable medical devices has driven the demand for electronics that interface with living systems. Current bioelectronic systems have not fully resolved mismatches between engineered circuits and biological systems, including the resulting pain and damage to biological tissues. Here, salt/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) aqueous two‐phase systems are utilized to generate programmable hydrogel ionic circuits. High‐conductivity salt‐solution patterns are stably encapsulated within PEG hydrogel matrices using salt/PEG phase separation, which route ionic current with high resolution and enable localized delivery of electrical stimulation. This strategy allows designer electronics that match biological systems, including transparency, stretchability, complete aqueous‐based connective interface, distribution of ionic electrical signals between engineered and biological systems, and avoidance of tissue damage from electrical stimulation. The potential of such systems is demonstrated by generating light‐emitting diode (LED)‐based displays, skin‐mounted electronics, and stimulators that deliver localized current to in vitro neuron cultures and muscles in vivo with reduced adverse effects. Such electronic platforms may form the basis of future biointegrated electronic systems.