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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2022.01.29.478311

3D Printable High Performance Conducting Polymer Hydrogel for All-Hydrogel Bioelectronics

Zhou, T.·Yuk, H.·Hu, F.·Wu, J.·Tian, F.·Roh, H.·Shen, Z.·Gu, G.·Xu, J.·Lu, B.·Zhao, X.
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Abstract

Owing to the unique combination of electrical conductivity and tissue-like mechanical properties, conducting polymer hydrogels have emerged as a promising candidate for bioelectronic interfacing with biological systems. However, despite the recent advances, the development of hydrogels with both excellent electrical and mechanical properties in physiological environments remains a lingering challenge. Here, we report a bi-continuous conducting polymer hydrogel (BC-CPH) that simultaneously achieves high electrical conductivity (over 11 S cm-1), stretchability (over 400%) and fracture toughness (over 3,300 J m-2) in physiological environments, and is readily applicable to advanced fabrication methods including 3D printing. Enabled by the BC-CPH, we further demonstrate multi-material 3D printing of monolithic all-hydrogel bioelectronic interfaces for long-term electrophysiological recording and stimulation of various organs. This study may offer promising materials and a platform for future bioelectronic interfacing.

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Zhou, T., Yuk, H., Hu, F., Wu, J., Tian, F., Roh, H., Shen, Z., Gu, G., Xu, J., Lu, B., Zhao, X.. 2022-01-29. 3D Printable High Performance Conducting Polymer Hydrogel for All-Hydrogel Bioelectronics. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.01.29.478311

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