Polymer Science and Polymer Chemistry

Bio-related Medical Polymers

Advanced polymeric Biomaterials continue to serve as a cornerstone of new medical technologies and therapies. The vast majority of these materials, both natural and synthetic, interact with biological matter without direct electronic communication. However, biological systems have evolved to synthesize and employ naturally-derived materials for the generation and modulation of electrical potentials, voltage gradients, and ion flows. Bioelectric phenomena can be interpreted as potent signalling cues for intra- and inter-cellular communication. These cues can serve as a gateway to link synthetic devices with biological systems. This progress report will provide an update on advances in the application of electronically active Biomaterials for use in organic electronics and bio-interfaces. Specific focus will be granted to the use of natural and synthetic biological materials as integral components in technologies such as thin film electronics, in vitro cell culture models, and implantable medical devices. Future perspectives and emerging challenges will also be highlighted.

Recent progress in biomaterials-based electronics with an emphasis on the following topics:

• Unique optoelectronic properties of biologically-derived materials
• Novel soft matter for interfacing synthetic devices with cells in vitro.
• Electronically active biomaterials for implantable medical devices.