Investigating Ion Exchange in Organic Bioelectronic Devices Using Selective Fluorescence Detection

Investigating Ion Exchange in Organic Bioelectronic Devices Using Selective Fluorescence Detection

Abstrakt

With the increasing number of diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, epilepsy, heart disease, depression, diabetes, and cancer, there is a growing need for targeted treatments that maximize effectiveness while minimizing side effects. Organic bioelectronics offers a promising approach that enables precise, electronically controlled stimulation and detection. One such device, the organic electrochemical transistor (OECT), is based on the ion exchange between organic semiconductors and environment (cells). Organic semiconductors for OECT’s offer a unique ability to convert ionic conductivity into electronic conductivity. Due to this ion- to-electron conductivity and “softer” (lower Young modulus) mostly polymeric structure, these devices provide more efficient communication between living tissues and electronic components compared to conventional technologies. This study focuses on real-time analysis of ion exchange and transport in OECTs. Despite significant research advancements, much of our current understanding of ion exchange relies on indirect or delayed detection methods. However, a precise understanding of ion movement is essential to optimizing the performance of organic bioelectronic systems. To address this, we combine electrical, and optical measurements to quantify ion exchange and transport in real-time. By correlating the outputs of these detection methods, we achieve a more accurate in situ assessment of ionic activity. This approach allows for a detailed investigation of drug exchange between organic semiconductors and targeted environments, providing valuable insights into OECT’s potential applications in bioelectronics.

With the increasing number of diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, epilepsy, heart disease, depression, diabetes, and cancer, there is a growing need for targeted treatments that maximize effectiveness while minimizing side effects. Organic bioelectronics offers a promising approach that enables precise, electronically controlled stimulation and detection. One such device, the organic electrochemical transistor (OECT), is based on the ion exchange between organic semiconductors and environment (cells). Organic semiconductors for OECT’s offer a unique ability to convert ionic conductivity into electronic conductivity. Due to this ion- to-electron conductivity and “softer” (lower Young modulus) mostly polymeric structure, these devices provide more efficient communication between living tissues and electronic components compared to conventional technologies. This study focuses on real-time analysis of ion exchange and transport in OECTs. Despite significant research advancements, much of our current understanding of ion exchange relies on indirect or delayed detection methods. However, a precise understanding of ion movement is essential to optimizing the performance of organic bioelectronic systems. To address this, we combine electrical, and optical measurements to quantify ion exchange and transport in real-time. By correlating the outputs of these detection methods, we achieve a more accurate in situ assessment of ionic activity. This approach allows for a detailed investigation of drug exchange between organic semiconductors and targeted environments, providing valuable insights into OECT’s potential applications in bioelectronics.

24.03.2025

Bulharsko; Sofie

Book of abstracts; International Conference on Bioactive, Organic and Inorganic Advanced Materials and Clean Technologies

71

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https://ctt.uctm.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/BiOrgaMCT-conference_Book-of-abstracts_27.03.pdf