{"id":21288,"date":"2025-04-01T21:48:53","date_gmt":"2025-04-01T21:48:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/?p=21288"},"modified":"2025-04-01T21:48:55","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T21:48:55","slug":"breakthrough-in-bioelectronic-material-stability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/breakthrough-in-bioelectronic-material-stability\/","title":{"rendered":"Breakthrough in Bioelectronic Material Stability"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-blockquote uagb-block-e7eb3fc3 uagb-blockquote__skin-border uagb-blockquote__stack-img-none\"><blockquote class=\"uagb-blockquote\"><div class=\"uagb-blockquote__content\">A serendipitous discovery by a team from Rice University, University of Cambridge and Stanford University has enhanced the stability of PEDOT:PSS, a vital bioelectronic material used in medical implants, computing and biosensors, potentially revolutionizing these fields.<\/div><footer><div class=\"uagb-blockquote__author-wrap uagb-blockquote__author-at-left\"><\/div><\/footer><\/blockquote><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-space-between is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-0dfbf163 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-size:16px;\" class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-post-author\"><div class=\"wp-block-post-author__content\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-author__name\">The University Network<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share uagb-social-share__outer-wrap uagb-social-share__layout-horizontal uagb-block-ee584a31\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-ec619ce7\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"facebook\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M504 256C504 119 393 8 256 8S8 119 8 256c0 123.8 90.69 226.4 209.3 245V327.7h-63V256h63v-54.64c0-62.15 37-96.48 93.67-96.48 27.14 0 55.52 4.84 55.52 4.84v61h-31.28c-30.8 0-40.41 19.12-40.41 38.73V256h68.78l-11 71.69h-57.78V501C413.3 482.4 504 379.8 504 256z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-32d99934\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"twitter\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M389.2 48h70.6L305.6 224.2 487 464H345L233.7 318.6 106.5 464H35.8L200.7 275.5 26.8 48H172.4L272.9 180.9 389.2 48zM364.4 421.8h39.1L151.1 88h-42L364.4 421.8z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-1d136f14\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?url=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"linkedin\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M416 32H31.9C14.3 32 0 46.5 0 64.3v383.4C0 465.5 14.3 480 31.9 480H416c17.6 0 32-14.5 32-32.3V64.3c0-17.8-14.4-32.3-32-32.3zM135.4 416H69V202.2h66.5V416zm-33.2-243c-21.3 0-38.5-17.3-38.5-38.5S80.9 96 102.2 96c21.2 0 38.5 17.3 38.5 38.5 0 21.3-17.2 38.5-38.5 38.5zm282.1 243h-66.4V312c0-24.8-.5-56.7-34.5-56.7-34.6 0-39.9 27-39.9 54.9V416h-66.4V202.2h63.7v29.2h.9c8.9-16.8 30.6-34.5 62.9-34.5 67.2 0 79.7 44.3 79.7 101.9V416z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A fortuitous discovery has led scientists from Rice University, the University of Cambridge and Stanford University to simplify the production of PEDOT:PSS, a composite material crucial to medical research, computing and bioelectronic devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For over 20 years, scientists have relied on a chemical crosslinker to stabilize PEDOT:PSS \u2014 a blend of two polymers \u2014 making it suitable for advanced applications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, Siddharth Doshi, a Stanford doctoral student and co-first author of the study, discovered that omitting the crosslinker and instead using higher temperatures produced a stable material unexpectedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt was more of a serendipitous discovery because Siddharth was trying out processes very different to the standard recipe, but the samples still turned out fine,\u201d co-corresponding author Scott Keene, a materials scientist from Rice University, said in a news release. \u201cWe were like, \u2018Wait! Really?\u2019 This prompted us to look into why and how this worked.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The researchers found that heating PEDOT:PSS beyond its usual threshold stabilized it without the crosslinker and improved the material&#8217;s quality. This breakthrough could simplify the manufacturing of neural implants, biosensors and next-generation computing systems, enhancing reliability and efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PEDOT:PSS conducts both electronic and ionic charges, a feature that bridges the gap between biological tissue and technological devices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt allows you to essentially talk the language of the brain,\u201d added Keene, emphasizing its importance for neurotechnology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eliminating the crosslinker not only streamlines the fabrication process but also enhances performance. The new method results in material with three times higher electrical conductivity and better stability, which is vital for medical applications where consistency is crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The crosslinker previously used created an interconnected mesh, leaving some water-soluble strands exposed, causing stability issues and potential toxicity. Conversely, higher temperatures reorganize the polymer internally, enhancing stability without harmful chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis method pretty much simplifies a lot of these problems that people have working with PEDOT:PSS,\u201d Keene added. \u201cIt also essentially eliminates a potentially toxic chemical.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Margaux Forner, a doctoral student at Cambridge and co-first author of the study, highlighted the improved fabrication and reliability of heat-treated devices such as transistors and spinal cord stimulators. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe devices made from heat-treated PEDOT:PSS proved to be robust in chronic in vivo experiments, maintaining stability for over 20 days post-implantation,\u201d Forner said in the news release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The method also maintained excellent electrical performance when the material was stretched, showcasing potential for durable bioelectronic devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The research may also clarify previous stability issues in long-term neural implants, potentially enhancing neurotechnology for restoring movement after spinal cord injuries or improving brain-device interfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, the team has developed a way to pattern PEDOT:PSS into microscopic 3D structures using a high-precision femtosecond laser. This advancement could improve how bioelectronic devices interact with cells, enhancing integration and longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe are really excited about the ability to 3D-print the polymers at the microscale,\u201d Doshi added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This capability could transform the fabrication of neural interfaces, promoting better tissue integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keene also explored the material&#8217;s potential in neuromorphic memory devices, which emulate brain-like learning processes. This research could accelerate advancements in artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The research from Rice University, Cambridge and Stanford could revolutionize the future of bioelectronics, making them safer and more effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:17px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/news.rice.edu\/news\/2025\/chance-discovery-improves-stability-bioelectronic-material-used-medical-implants\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Rice University<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A fortuitous discovery has led scientists from Rice University, the University of Cambridge and Stanford University to simplify the production of PEDOT:PSS, a composite material crucial to medical research, computing and bioelectronic devices. For over 20 years, scientists have relied on a chemical crosslinker to stabilize PEDOT:PSS \u2014 a blend of two polymers \u2014 making [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"single-no-separators","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[33,53,188],"class_list":["post-21288","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-tech","tag-rice-university","tag-stanford-university","tag-university-of-cambridge"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"The University Network","author_link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/author\/funky_junkie\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"A fortuitous discovery has led scientists from Rice University, the University of Cambridge and Stanford University to simplify the production of PEDOT:PSS, a composite material crucial to medical research, computing and bioelectronic devices. For over 20 years, scientists have relied on a chemical crosslinker to stabilize PEDOT:PSS \u2014 a blend of two polymers \u2014 making&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21288","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21288"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21288\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21567,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21288\/revisions\/21567"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21288"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21288"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21288"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}