Scientists at the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have developed a new material that combines the properties of semiconductors and hydrogels, potentially transforming bioelectronics. This innovation addresses a longstanding challenge in creating materials that are both flexible and compatible with living tissue.
The research, published in Science, introduces a bluish gel that functions as both a semiconductor and hydrogel. "When making implantable bioelectronic devices, one challenge you must address is to make a device with tissue-like mechanical properties," said Yahao Dai, the first author of the paper. The material's flexibility allows it to form an intimate interface with biological tissues.
The study primarily focuses on applications for implanted medical devices such as biochemical sensors and pacemakers. However, Dai noted its potential for non-surgical uses like improved skin readings or wound care. "It has very soft mechanical properties and a large degree of hydration similar to living tissue," said Assistant Professor Sihong Wang from UChicago PME.
Traditional hydrogels are made by dissolving materials in water and adding chemicals to form gels. Semiconductors typically do not dissolve in water, prompting the UChicago team to explore alternative methods. "We started to think, 'Okay, let's change our perspective,'" explained Dai. They used a solvent exchange process involving organic solvents mixable with water.
This method allows broad applicability across different polymer semiconductors. The resulting hydrogel semiconductor is patented and being commercialized through UChicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Unlike merging two separate materials, this innovation integrates semiconducting properties within a single hydrogel structure.
Wang highlighted two significant advantages: reduced immune responses when bonding directly with tissue and enhanced biosensing response due to increased interaction sites for biomarkers. Additionally, light-operated therapeutic functions benefit from more efficient molecule transport.
"It's a 'one plus one is greater than two' kind of combination," Wang remarked humorously.
The research was funded by the US National Institutes of Health, US Office of Naval Research, and University of Chicago start-up fund.
Citation: “Soft hydrogel semiconductors with augmented biointeractive functions,” Dai et al., Science, October 24, 2024. DOI: 10.1126/science.adp9314
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