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Neuromorphic computing offers the opportunity to curtail the huge energy demands of modern artificial intelligence (AI) applications by implementing computations into new, brain-inspired computing architectures. However, the lack of fabrication processes able to integrate several computing units into monolithic systems and the need for new, hardware-tailored training algorithms still limit the scope of application and performance of neuromorphic hardware. Recent advancements in the field of organic transistors present new opportunities for neuromorphic systems and smart sensing applications, thanks to their unique properties such as neuromorphic behavior, low-voltage operation, and mixed ionic-electronic conductivity. Organic neuromorphic transistors push the boundaries of energy efficient brain-inspired hardware AI, facilitating decentralized on-chip learning and serving as a foundation for the advancement of closed-loop intelligent systems in the next generation. The biocompatibility and dual ionic-electronic conductivity of organic materials introduce new prospects for biointegration and bioelectronics. Their ability to sense and regulate biosystems, as well as their neuro-inspired functions can be combined with neuromorphic computing to create the next-generation of bioelectronics. These systems will be able to seamlessly interact with biological systems and locally compute biosignals in a relevant matter.

In the realm of neuroelectronics, the challenge lies in achieving finer observations of physiological processes to comprehend neuronal interactions and computations. This necessitates the development of more compliant and biomimetic interfaces for improved integration with biological tissues, enabling finer physiological process observations. Commonly used flat and static electrode interfaces contrast sharply with the dynamic, complex, and three dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix (ECM) in which cells reside. Introducing 3D patterns on electrode surfaces enhances cell-chip coupling, improving the signal recording. Moreover, inorganic electrodes are stiff and rigid, creating mechanical mismatches with softer biological tissues, and they fail to fully capture ionic conduction.This thesis addresses these challenges by focusing on designing and engineering a multi-layer dynamic and stimuli-responsive bioelectronic interface. The system combines light-responsive, deformable polymers like Poly(Disperse Red 1-methacrylate) (pDR1m) with conductive polymers such as Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(stirensulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). pDR1m responds to light, exhibiting 3D surface topography deformation, while PEDOT:PSS facilitates electrical recording and stimulation of cells, offering mixed electronic and ionic conduction as well as good mechanical properties. The potential use of an intermediate Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film to improve layer adhesion is also explored. The individual and multi-layer samples were first optimized for spin coating manufacturing, and then thoroughly characterized to investigate their thickness, morphology, optical and electrochemical properties. Patterning of pDR1m-based samples was carried out using laser scanning confocal microscopy and a Lloyd’s mirror interferometer.The pDR1m\PEDOT:PSS sample demonstrates promising morphological and conductive properties, and the presence of PEDOT:PSS does not alter the absorption spectra of pDR1m. The, Inom neuroelektronikens område ligger utmaningen i att uppnå finare observationer av fysiologiska processer för att förstå neuronala interaktioner och beräkningar. Detta kräver utveckling av mer följsamma och biomimetiska gränssnitt för förbättrad integration med biologiska vävnader, vilket möjliggör finare fysiologiska processobservationer. Vanligt använda platta och statiska elektrodgränssnitt står i skarp kontrast till den dynamiska, komplexa och tredimensionella (3D) extracellulära matrisen (ECM) i vilken celler finns. Att introducera 3D-mönster på elektrodytor förbättrar cell-chip-kopplingen, vilket förbättrar signalinspelningen. Dessutom är oorganiska elektroder styva och stela, vilket skapar mekaniska felmatchningar med mjukare biologiska vävnader, och de lyckas inte helt fånga jonledning.Den här avhandlingen tar upp dessa utmaningar genom att fokusera på att designa och konstruera ett flerlagers dynamiskt och stimuli-responsivt bioelektroniskt gränssnitt. Systemet kombinerar ljuskänsliga, deformerbara polymerer som Poly(Disperse Red 1-methacrylate) (pDR1m) med ledande polymerer som Poly(3,4-etylendioxitiofen): poly(stirensulfonat) (PEDOT:PSS). pDR1m reagerar på ljus och uppvisar 3D-yttopografideformation, medan PEDOT:PSS underlättar elektrisk inspelning och stimulering av celler, erbjuder blandad elektronisk och jonledning samt goda mekaniska egenskaper. Den potentiella användningen av en mellanliggande polydimetylsiloxan (PDMS) film för att förbättra skiktvidhäftningen undersöks också. De individuella och flerskiktiga proverna optimerades först för spinnbeläggningstillverkning och karakteriserades sedan grundligt för att undersöka deras tjocklek, morfologi, optiska och elektrokemiska egenskaper. Mönster av pDR1m-baserade prover utfördes med laserskanning konfokalmikroskopi och en Lloyds spegelinterferometer.pDR1m\PEDOT:PSS-provet visar lovande morfologiska och ledande egenskaper, och närvaron av PEDOT:PSS förändrar inte absorptionsspektra för pDR1m. Flerski

Tato diplomová práce pojednává o antimikrobiální účinnosti připravených nátěrových hmot na bázi akrylátových latexů s dispergovanými nanočásticemi selenu a vodivých polymerů. Byly naformulovány a připraveny modelové řady nátěrových hmot s obsahem nanočástic ZnO, La2O3, ZnSe, SeO2 a pigmenty vodivých polymerů PANI fosf. a PPy fosf. Tyto organické povlaky byly podrobeny fyzikálně - mechanickým zkouškám na skleněných a ocelových panelech a také cyklickým korozním zkouškám a nepřímým korozním zkouškám. Poté byly vzorky testovány na jejich antimikrobiální účinnost dle normy ISO 22196: 2011 vůči bakteriím Staphylococcus aureus a Escherichia coli. Teoretická část popisuje bakteriální kmeny S. aureus a E. coli a jejich vlastnosti, dále pojednává o mechanismu syntézy akrylátových latexů a popisuje využití antimikrobiálních nátěrových hmot. V experimentální části jsou uvedeny prováděné fyzikálně - mechanické a korozní zkoušky. Cílem této práce bylo zjištění antimikrobiální účinnosti syntetizovaných nátěrových hmot s přidanými aditivy., This thesis discusses the antimicrobial effectiveness of prepared coatings based on acrylate latexes with dispersed selenium nanoparticles and conductive polymers. Model series of coatings containing nanoparticles of ZnO, La2O3, ZnSe, SeO2 and pigments of conductive polymers PANI phosph. and PPy phosph. were formulated and prepared. These organic coatings were subjected to physical-mechanical tests on glass and steel panels as well as cyclic corrosion tests and indirect corrosion tests. The samples were then tested for their antimicrobial effectiveness according to the ISO 22196: 2011 standard against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. The theoretical part describes the bacterial strains of S. aureus and E. coli and their properties, further discusses the mechanism of synthesis of acrylate latexes and describes the use of antimicrobial coatings. In the experimental part, the performed physical-mechanical and corrosion tests are presented. The aim of this work was to determine the antimicrobial efficiency of synthesized coatings with added additives., Fakulta chemicko-technologická, 1. Prezentace výsledků diplomové práce. 2. Diskuze k posudkům vedoucího a oponenta diplomové práce. 3. Studentka zodpověděla všechny dotazy a připomínky k DP., Dokončená práce s úspěšnou obhajobou

Diplomová práce je zaměřena na imobilizaci enzymu lakázy prostřednictvím tvorby Schiffových bází na elektrochemicky deponované vodivé polymery, které jsou funkcionováné karbonylovou skupinou. Vanilin, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyd a trans cinnamaldehyd byly záměrně vybrány jako možné monomery k elektropolymeraci, jenž se prováděla cyklickou voltametrií o padesáti cyklech. Výsledky získané průtočnou injekční analýzou modelových roztoků vybraných neurotransmiterů naznačují, že takto připravené biosenzory opravdu mají vysokou mechanickou stabilitu, a tudíž by se mohly uplatnit při vývoji analytických zařízení pro klinickou analýzu., The diploma thesis is focused on the immobilization of the laccase enzyme through the formation of Schiff bases on electrochemically deposited conductive polymers that are functionalized by a carbonyl group. Vanillin, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and trans cinnamaldehyde were deliberately selected as possible monomers for electropolymerization, which was performed using cyclic voltammetry of fifty cycles. The results obtained by flow injection analysis of model solutions of selected neurotransmitters indicate that the biosensors prepared in this way really have a high mechanical stability, and therefore could be used in the development of analytical devices for clinical analysis., Fakulta chemicko-technologická, Studentka seznámila členy zkušební komise s obsahem své diplomové práce, poté byla seznámena s posudky vedoucího a oponenta diplomové práce. Studentka odpověděla na otázky oponenta diplomové práce a členů zkušební komise., Dokončená práce s úspěšnou obhajobou

In the realm of neuroelectronics, the challenge lies in achieving finer observations of physiological processes to comprehend neuronal interactions and computations. This necessitates the development of more compliant and biomimetic interfaces for improved integration with biological tissues, enabling finer physiological process observations. Commonly used flat and static electrode interfaces contrast sharply with the dynamic, complex, and three dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix (ECM) in which cells reside. Introducing 3D patterns on electrode surfaces enhances cell-chip coupling, improving the signal recording. Moreover, inorganic electrodes are stiff and rigid, creating mechanical mismatches with softer biological tissues, and they fail to fully capture ionic conduction.This thesis addresses these challenges by focusing on designing and engineering a multi-layer dynamic and stimuli-responsive bioelectronic interface. The system combines light-responsive, deformable polymers like Poly(Disperse Red 1-methacrylate) (pDR1m) with conductive polymers such as Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(stirensulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). pDR1m responds to light, exhibiting 3D surface topography deformation, while PEDOT:PSS facilitates electrical recording and stimulation of cells, offering mixed electronic and ionic conduction as well as good mechanical properties. The potential use of an intermediate Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film to improve layer adhesion is also explored. The individual and multi-layer samples were first optimized for spin coating manufacturing, and then thoroughly characterized to investigate their thickness, morphology, optical and electrochemical properties. Patterning of pDR1m-based samples was carried out using laser scanning confocal microscopy and a Lloyd’s mirror interferometer.The pDR1m\PEDOT:PSS sample demonstrates promising morphological and conductive properties, and the presence of PEDOT:PSS does not alter the absorption spectra of pDR1m. The, Inom neuroelektronikens område ligger utmaningen i att uppnå finare observationer av fysiologiska processer för att förstå neuronala interaktioner och beräkningar. Detta kräver utveckling av mer följsamma och biomimetiska gränssnitt för förbättrad integration med biologiska vävnader, vilket möjliggör finare fysiologiska processobservationer. Vanligt använda platta och statiska elektrodgränssnitt står i skarp kontrast till den dynamiska, komplexa och tredimensionella (3D) extracellulära matrisen (ECM) i vilken celler finns. Att introducera 3D-mönster på elektrodytor förbättrar cell-chip-kopplingen, vilket förbättrar signalinspelningen. Dessutom är oorganiska elektroder styva och stela, vilket skapar mekaniska felmatchningar med mjukare biologiska vävnader, och de lyckas inte helt fånga jonledning.Den här avhandlingen tar upp dessa utmaningar genom att fokusera på att designa och konstruera ett flerlagers dynamiskt och stimuli-responsivt bioelektroniskt gränssnitt. Systemet kombinerar ljuskänsliga, deformerbara polymerer som Poly(Disperse Red 1-methacrylate) (pDR1m) med ledande polymerer som Poly(3,4-etylendioxitiofen): poly(stirensulfonat) (PEDOT:PSS). pDR1m reagerar på ljus och uppvisar 3D-yttopografideformation, medan PEDOT:PSS underlättar elektrisk inspelning och stimulering av celler, erbjuder blandad elektronisk och jonledning samt goda mekaniska egenskaper. Den potentiella användningen av en mellanliggande polydimetylsiloxan (PDMS) film för att förbättra skiktvidhäftningen undersöks också. De individuella och flerskiktiga proverna optimerades först för spinnbeläggningstillverkning och karakteriserades sedan grundligt för att undersöka deras tjocklek, morfologi, optiska och elektrokemiska egenskaper. Mönster av pDR1m-baserade prover utfördes med laserskanning konfokalmikroskopi och en Lloyds spegelinterferometer.pDR1m\PEDOT:PSS-provet visar lovande morfologiska och ledande egenskaper, och närvaron av PEDOT:PSS förändrar inte absorptionsspektra för pDR1m. Flerski

Stem-cell-based therapeutics have shown immense potential in treating various diseases that are currently incurable. In particular, partial recovery of Parkinson's disease, which occurs due to massive loss or abnormal functionality of dopaminergic (DAnergic) neurons, through the engraftment of stem-cell-derived neurons ex vivo is reported. However, precise assessment of the functionality and maturity of DAnergic neurons is still challenging for their enhanced clinical efficacy. Here, a novel conductive cell cultivation platform, a graphene oxide (GO)-incorporated metallic polymer nanopillar array (GOMPON), that can electrochemically detect dopamine (DA) exocytosis from living DAnergic neurons, is reported. In the cell-free configuration, the linear range is 0.5–100 µm, with a limit of detection of 33.4 nm. Owing to its excellent biocompatibility, a model DAnergic neuron (SH-SY5Y cell) can be cultivated and differentiated on the platform while their DA release can be quantitatively measured in a real-time and nondestructive manner. Finally, it is showed that the functionality of the DAnergic neurons derived from stem cells can be precisely assessed via electrochemical detection of their DA exocytosis. The developed GOMPON is highly promising for a wide range of applications, including real-time monitoring of stem cell differentiation into neuronal lineages, evaluating differentiation protocols, and finding practical stem cell therapies. © 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.

Tesis por compendio, [ES] La funcionalización de tejidos permite dotar a estos de nuevas propiedades que no poseen de forma inherente. Por su parte, el grafeno presenta excelentes características en cuanto a conductividad térmica y eléctrica, resistencia y flexibilidad. En esta tesis se evalúa la aplicación de grafeno sobre diferentes sustratos textiles para obtener tejidos capaces de conducir la electricidad y responder a estímulos térmicos, bien disipando el calor o bien transformando una corriente eléctrica en un incremento de temperatura en su superficie. Para ello, se aplica grafeno empleando diferentes métodos recubrimiento con rasqueta e impregnación sobre tejidos de celulosa y de poliéster. En primer lugar, destaca la influencia que ejerce la estructura del tejido sobre la resistencia eléctrica del recubrimiento, dando como resultado que aquellos tejidos con mayor coeficiente de ligadura son los que mejores resultados presentan al tener una superficie más homogénea en la que se deposita el recubrimiento. Asimismo, se halla que la incorporación de materiales de cambio de fase en el recubrimiento con grafeno permite una mayor disipación de calor cuando se calienta el tejido. Además, se consigue calefactar las muestras empleadas utilizando diferentes voltajes eléctricos lo que, a su vez, sirve para evaluar los defectos del recubrimiento analizando las imágenes termográficas. Entre otros hallazgos relevantes también cabe destacar la influencia que ejerce la humedad del sustrato sobre la resistencia eléctrica del grafeno y la importancia del curado térmico de las resinas para asegurar una buena solidez a los lavados., [CA] La funcionalización de teixits permet dotar a aquests de noves propietats que no posseeixen de manera inherent. Per part seua, el grafé presenta excel·lents propietats quant a conductivitat tèrmica i elèctrica, resistència i flexibilitat. En aquesta tesi s'avalua l'aplicació de grafé sobre diferents substrats tèxtils per a obtindre teixits capaços de conduir l'electricitat i respondre a estímuls tèrmics, bé dissipant la calor o bé transformant un corrent elèctric en un increment de temperatura en la seua superfície. Per a això, s'aplica grafé emprant recobriment amb rasqueta i estampat sobre teixits de cel·lulosa i de polièster. En primer lloc, destaca la influència que exerceix l'estructura del teixit sobre la resistència elèctrica del recobriment, obtenint que aquells teixits amb major coeficient de lligadura són els que millors resultats presenten en tindre una superfície més homogènia en la qual es deposita el recobriment. Així mateix, es troba que la incorporació de materials de canvi de fase en el recobriment amb grafé permet una major dissipació de calor quan es calfa el teixit. A més, s'aconsegueix calefactar les mostres emprades utilitzant diferents voltatges elèctrics el que, al seu torn, serveix per a avaluar els defectes del recobriment analitzant les imatges termogràfiques. Entre altres troballes rellevants també cal destacar la influència que exerceix la humitat del substrat sobre la resistència del grafé i la importància del curat tèrmic de les resines per a assegurar una bona solidesa a les rentades., [EN] Fabrics functionalization provides them with new properties that they do not inherently possess. Furthermore, graphene has excellent characteristics in terms of thermal and electrical conductivity, resistance, and flexibility. In this thesis, the application of graphene on different textile substrates is evaluated to obtain fabrics capable of conducting electricity and responding to thermal stimuli, either by dissipating heat or by transforming an electrical current into an increase in surface temperature. For this purpose, graphene is applied using knife-coating and screen-printing on cellulose and polyester fabrics. First of all, it is worth highlighting the influence exerted by the structure of the fabric on the electrical resistance of the coating, obtaining that those fabrics with the highest interlacing coefficient are the ones that present the best results as they have a more homogeneous surface on which the coating is deposited. Also, it is found that the incorporation of phase change materials in the coating containing graphene allows for greater heat dissipation when the fabric is heated. In addition, it is possible to heat the samples using different electrical voltages, which also serves to evaluate the defects of the coating by analyzing the thermographic images. Among other relevant findings, it is also worth highlighting the influence that substrate humidity exerts on the resistance of graphene and the importance of thermal curing of the resins to ensure good washing fastness.

Tesis por compendio, [ES] La funcionalización de tejidos permite dotar a estos de nuevas propiedades que no poseen de forma inherente. Por su parte, el grafeno presenta excelentes características en cuanto a conductividad térmica y eléctrica, resistencia y flexibilidad. En esta tesis se evalúa la aplicación de grafeno sobre diferentes sustratos textiles para obtener tejidos capaces de conducir la electricidad y responder a estímulos térmicos, bien disipando el calor o bien transformando una corriente eléctrica en un incremento de temperatura en su superficie. Para ello, se aplica grafeno empleando diferentes métodos recubrimiento con rasqueta e impregnación sobre tejidos de celulosa y de poliéster. En primer lugar, destaca la influencia que ejerce la estructura del tejido sobre la resistencia eléctrica del recubrimiento, dando como resultado que aquellos tejidos con mayor coeficiente de ligadura son los que mejores resultados presentan al tener una superficie más homogénea en la que se deposita el recubrimiento. Asimismo, se halla que la incorporación de materiales de cambio de fase en el recubrimiento con grafeno permite una mayor disipación de calor cuando se calienta el tejido. Además, se consigue calefactar las muestras empleadas utilizando diferentes voltajes eléctricos lo que, a su vez, sirve para evaluar los defectos del recubrimiento analizando las imágenes termográficas. Entre otros hallazgos relevantes también cabe destacar la influencia que ejerce la humedad del sustrato sobre la resistencia eléctrica del grafeno y la importancia del curado térmico de las resinas para asegurar una buena solidez a los lavados., [CA] La funcionalización de teixits permet dotar a aquests de noves propietats que no posseeixen de manera inherent. Per part seua, el grafé presenta excel·lents propietats quant a conductivitat tèrmica i elèctrica, resistència i flexibilitat. En aquesta tesi s'avalua l'aplicació de grafé sobre diferents substrats tèxtils per a obtindre teixits capaços de conduir l'electricitat i respondre a estímuls tèrmics, bé dissipant la calor o bé transformant un corrent elèctric en un increment de temperatura en la seua superfície. Per a això, s'aplica grafé emprant recobriment amb rasqueta i estampat sobre teixits de cel·lulosa i de polièster. En primer lloc, destaca la influència que exerceix l'estructura del teixit sobre la resistència elèctrica del recobriment, obtenint que aquells teixits amb major coeficient de lligadura són els que millors resultats presenten en tindre una superfície més homogènia en la qual es deposita el recobriment. Així mateix, es troba que la incorporació de materials de canvi de fase en el recobriment amb grafé permet una major dissipació de calor quan es calfa el teixit. A més, s'aconsegueix calefactar les mostres emprades utilitzant diferents voltatges elèctrics el que, al seu torn, serveix per a avaluar els defectes del recobriment analitzant les imatges termogràfiques. Entre altres troballes rellevants també cal destacar la influència que exerceix la humitat del substrat sobre la resistència del grafé i la importància del curat tèrmic de les resines per a assegurar una bona solidesa a les rentades., [EN] Fabrics functionalization provides them with new properties that they do not inherently possess. Furthermore, graphene has excellent characteristics in terms of thermal and electrical conductivity, resistance, and flexibility. In this thesis, the application of graphene on different textile substrates is evaluated to obtain fabrics capable of conducting electricity and responding to thermal stimuli, either by dissipating heat or by transforming an electrical current into an increase in surface temperature. For this purpose, graphene is applied using knife-coating and screen-printing on cellulose and polyester fabrics. First of all, it is worth highlighting the influence exerted by the structure of the fabric on the electrical resistance of the coating, obtaining that those fabrics with the highest interlacing coefficient are the ones that present the best results as they have a more homogeneous surface on which the coating is deposited. Also, it is found that the incorporation of phase change materials in the coating containing graphene allows for greater heat dissipation when the fabric is heated. In addition, it is possible to heat the samples using different electrical voltages, which also serves to evaluate the defects of the coating by analyzing the thermographic images. Among other relevant findings, it is also worth highlighting the influence that substrate humidity exerts on the resistance of graphene and the importance of thermal curing of the resins to ensure good washing fastness.

This thesis demonstrates comprehensive research on novel sensors of multifunctional applications. It presents novel materials (dye-coated paper strips, functionalized gold nanoparticles/gold nanostructured substrates, antibody-coated conductive polymers, SERS tags) for the determination of bioactive molecules. A novel thiol chemistry approach, bioconjugation of recognition molecules, and surface functionalizations were developed for the ultrasensitive detection of target analytes. The newly developed materials, multimodal sensors (optical, fluorescence, SERS, electrochemical) of high sensitivity and selectivity were utilised and validated for the rapid screening/quantification of bioactive molecules (diseases biomarkers, amino acids, and toxic substances) in biological and environmental matrices.

The electrochemical parameters of a novel binder-free self-standing biomimetic cathode based on lithium manganese oxide (LMO) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) for rechargeable Lithium-ion aqueous batteries (ReLIAB) are improved using polyaniline (PANI) core-shell in situ polymerization and graphene (Gr). The fabricated cathode material exhibits the so-called “tectonic plate island bridge” biomimetic structure. This constitution is created by combining three components as shown by a SEM and a TEM analysis: the Gr substrates support an entangled matrix of conductive CNT which connect island of non-conductive inorganic material composed of LMO. The typical spinel structure of the LMO remains unchanged after modifying the basic structure with Gr and PANI due to a simplified hydrothermal method used for synthesis. The Gr and PANI core-shell coating improves the electric conductivity from 0.0025 S/cm up to 1 S/cm. The electrochemical performances of the LMO/CNT-Gr/PANI composite electrode are optimized up to 136 mA h g−1 compared to 111 mA h g−1 of the LMO/CNT. Besides that, the new electrode shows good cycling stability after 200 galvanostatic charging/discharging cycles, making this structure a future candidate for cathode materials for ReLIAB. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Flexible electronic systems such as wearable devices, sensors and electronic skin require power sources and sensing units that are mechanically robust, operational at low bending radius, and environmentally friendly. Recently, there has been an enormous interest in active materials such as thin film semiconductors, conductive polymers, and ion-electron conductors. These materials can be deposited with both printing and microfabrication techniques onto the flexible substrates such as plastics and paper. In addition, paper-based composites with nanofibrillated cellulose are favorable due to their mechanical strength, porosity, and solution-processability. Printing of such systems enables mass-production of large area electrochemical devices i.e., batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells. Moreover, designing ultrathin devices for such concepts are promising for implantable and skin-like conformable electronics. The aim of this thesis is the development of flexible electronic devices where, both organic and inorganic materials are explored, and examples of smart packaging and wearable electronics are demonstrated. Within the thesis, two different fabrication approaches are presented to achieve flexible electronics: (1) fabrication of porous paper electrodes for printable, wearable supercapacitor applications, where our efforts towards sustainable solutions for energy storage and (2) development of ultraflexible devices for electronic skin and implantable electronics to attain miniaturized, ultrathin device concepts. Overall, high performance electronic devices and demonstrators shown here have a significant impact on portable hybrid systems and flexible electronics applications., Flexibla elektroniska system såsom kroppsburna enheter, sensorer och elektronisk hud kräver strömkällor och sensorenheter som är mekaniskt robusta, fungerar i böjt tillstånd och är miljövänliga. På senare tid har detta lett till ett enormt intresse för aktiva material som tunnfilmshalvledare, ledande polymerer och kombinerade jon- och elektronledare. Dessa material kan deponeras med både tryck- och mikrotillverkningstekniker på flexibla substrat som plast och papper. Vidare är pappersbaserade kompositer med nanofibrillerad cellulosa intressanta på grund av deras mekaniska styrka, porositet och möjlighet att processa i lösning. Tryckning av sådana system möjliggör massproduktion av elektrokemiska enheter med stor yta, dvs batterier, superkondensatorer och bränsleceller. För att ge hudliknande formbarhet och biokompatibilitet för implanterbara enheter är ultratunna enheter ett lovande koncept. Syftet med denna avhandling är att utveckla flexibla elektroniska enheter där både organiska och oorganiska material utforskas, och att demonstrera exempel på smarta förpackningar och kroppsburen elektronik. I avhandlingen presenteras två olika tillverkningsmetoder för flexibel elektronik: (1) tillverkning av porösa papperselektroder för tryckbara, kroppsburna superkondensatorer, syftande till hållbara lösningar för energilagring och (2) utveckling av ultraflexibla enheter för elektronisk hud och implanterbar elektronik för att uppnå miniatyriserade, ultratunna enhetskoncept. Sammantaget kan de högpresterande elektroniska enheter och demonstratorer som visas här ha stor betydelse för utvecklingen av bärbara hybridsystem och flexibel elektronik.

The development of a nonprecious, stable, and highly effective electrocatalyst for decomposition of water into oxygen and hydrogen is vitally important for sustainable energy conversion, but it still remains challenging to replace the noble metal electrocatalysts with more economically viable alternatives. Herein, a polyaniline (PANI) decorated hierarchical nickel cobalt thiospinel (NiCo2S4) hybrid catalyst (NCS-P) has been developed that shows enhanced dual catalytic activity for both the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) compared to pristine NiCo2S4 (NCS). Benefiting from the conductive PANI coating, the hierarchical NCS-P nanostructure exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic activity in alkaline solution with low overpotentials of 273 ± 3 and 77 ± 4 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and low Tafel slopes of 42.2 and 68.5 mV dec−1 for OER and HER, respectively, which are better than those of the benchmark noble-metal-based RuO2 and Pt/C.

Cadmium sulfide has attracted wide attention in photocatalytic hydrogen production, due to its appropriate bandgap and band positions. However, high-rate photogenerated electron-hole recombination and few active sites on CdS lead to its low photocatalytic activity. Herein, a PANI/NCPP/CdS (PANI/NiCoP/NiCoPi/CdS) hybrid as a noble metal-free visible light-driven photocatalyst is reported, with metal phosphides, metal phosphates, and polyaniline (PANI) as reduction and oxidation cocatalysts, respectively. This hybrid not only facilitates the charge separation and transfer owing to the formation of heterojunction, but also improves the local concentration of H+ on the surface of catalysts due to the formation of the protonated amine groups on PANI, bene?cial to hydrogen evolution reaction. As a result, the as-prepared photocatalyst could show a high hydrogen evolution rate of 170.3 mmol g(-1) h(-1) and an apparent quantum efficiency of 41.37% at 420 nm, representing one of the best performances of all-CdS-based photocatalysts.

Cadmium sulfide has attracted wide attention in photocatalytic hydrogen production, due to its appropriate bandgap and band positions. However, high-rate photogenerated electron-hole recombination and few active sites on CdS lead to its low photocatalytic activity. Herein, a PANI/NCPP/CdS (PANI/NiCoP/NiCoPi/CdS) hybrid as a noble metal-free visible light-driven photocatalyst is reported, with metal phosphides, metal phosphates, and polyaniline (PANI) as reduction and oxidation cocatalysts, respectively. This hybrid not only facilitates the charge separation and transfer owing to the formation of heterojunction, but also improves the local concentration of H+ on the surface of catalysts due to the formation of the protonated amine groups on PANI, bene?cial to hydrogen evolution reaction. As a result, the as-prepared photocatalyst could show a high hydrogen evolution rate of 170.3 mmol g(-1) h(-1) and an apparent quantum efficiency of 41.37% at 420 nm, representing one of the best performances of all-CdS-based photocatalysts.

The need for achieving sustainable technologies has encouraged research on renewable and biodegradable materials for novel products that are clean, green, and environmentally friendly. Nanocellulose (NC) has many attractive properties such as high mechanical strength and flexibility, large specific surface area, in addition to possessing good wet stability and resistance to tough chemical environments. NC has also been shown to easily integrate with other materials to form composites. By combining it with conductive and electroactive materials, many of the advantageous properties of NC can be transferred to the resulting composites. Conductive polymers, in particular poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene:poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), have been successfully combined with cellulose derivatives where suspensions of NC particles and colloids of PEDOT:PSS are made to interact at a molecular level. Alternatively, different polymerization techniques have been used to coat the cellulose fibrils. When processed in liquid form, the resulting mixture can be used as a conductive ink. This review outlines the preparation of NC/PEDOT:PSS composites and their fabrication in the form of electronic nanopapers, filaments, and conductive aerogels. We also discuss the molecular interaction between NC and PEDOT:PSS and the factors that affect the bonding properties. Finally, we address their potential applications in energy storage and harvesting, sensors, actuators, and bioelectronics., QC 20221114

Cadmium sulfide has attracted wide attention in photocatalytic hydrogen production, due to its appropriate bandgap and band positions. However, high-rate photogenerated electron-hole recombination and few active sites on CdS lead to its low photocatalytic activity. Herein, a PANI/NCPP/CdS (PANI/NiCoP/NiCoPi/CdS) hybrid as a noble metal-free visible light-driven photocatalyst is reported, with metal phosphides, metal phosphates, and polyaniline (PANI) as reduction and oxidation cocatalysts, respectively. This hybrid not only facilitates the charge separation and transfer owing to the formation of heterojunction, but also improves the local concentration of H+ on the surface of catalysts due to the formation of the protonated amine groups on PANI, bene?cial to hydrogen evolution reaction. As a result, the as-prepared photocatalyst could show a high hydrogen evolution rate of 170.3 mmol g(-1) h(-1) and an apparent quantum efficiency of 41.37% at 420 nm, representing one of the best performances of all-CdS-based photocatalysts.

Cadmium sulfide has attracted wide attention in photocatalytic hydrogen production, due to its appropriate bandgap and band positions. However, high-rate photogenerated electron-hole recombination and few active sites on CdS lead to its low photocatalytic activity. Herein, a PANI/NCPP/CdS (PANI/NiCoP/NiCoPi/CdS) hybrid as a noble metal-free visible light-driven photocatalyst is reported, with metal phosphides, metal phosphates, and polyaniline (PANI) as reduction and oxidation cocatalysts, respectively. This hybrid not only facilitates the charge separation and transfer owing to the formation of heterojunction, but also improves the local concentration of H+ on the surface of catalysts due to the formation of the protonated amine groups on PANI, bene?cial to hydrogen evolution reaction. As a result, the as-prepared photocatalyst could show a high hydrogen evolution rate of 170.3 mmol g(-1) h(-1) and an apparent quantum efficiency of 41.37% at 420 nm, representing one of the best performances of all-CdS-based photocatalysts.

Flexible electronic systems such as wearable devices, sensors and electronic skin require power sources and sensing units that are mechanically robust, operational at low bending radius, and environmentally friendly. Recently, there has been an enormous interest in active materials such as thin film semiconductors, conductive polymers, and ion-electron conductors. These materials can be deposited with both printing and microfabrication techniques onto the flexible substrates such as plastics and paper. In addition, paper-based composites with nanofibrillated cellulose are favorable due to their mechanical strength, porosity, and solution-processability. Printing of such systems enables mass-production of large area electrochemical devices i.e., batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells. Moreover, designing ultrathin devices for such concepts are promising for implantable and skin-like conformable electronics. The aim of this thesis is the development of flexible electronic devices where, both organic and inorganic materials are explored, and examples of smart packaging and wearable electronics are demonstrated. Within the thesis, two different fabrication approaches are presented to achieve flexible electronics: (1) fabrication of porous paper electrodes for printable, wearable supercapacitor applications, where our efforts towards sustainable solutions for energy storage and (2) development of ultraflexible devices for electronic skin and implantable electronics to attain miniaturized, ultrathin device concepts. Overall, high performance electronic devices and demonstrators shown here have a significant impact on portable hybrid systems and flexible electronics applications., Flexibla elektroniska system såsom kroppsburna enheter, sensorer och elektronisk hud kräver strömkällor och sensorenheter som är mekaniskt robusta, fungerar i böjt tillstånd och är miljövänliga. På senare tid har detta lett till ett enormt intresse för aktiva material som tunnfilmshalvledare, ledande polymerer och kombinerade jon- och elektronledare. Dessa material kan deponeras med både tryck- och mikrotillverkningstekniker på flexibla substrat som plast och papper. Vidare är pappersbaserade kompositer med nanofibrillerad cellulosa intressanta på grund av deras mekaniska styrka, porositet och möjlighet att processa i lösning. Tryckning av sådana system möjliggör massproduktion av elektrokemiska enheter med stor yta, dvs batterier, superkondensatorer och bränsleceller. För att ge hudliknande formbarhet och biokompatibilitet för implanterbara enheter är ultratunna enheter ett lovande koncept. Syftet med denna avhandling är att utveckla flexibla elektroniska enheter där både organiska och oorganiska material utforskas, och att demonstrera exempel på smarta förpackningar och kroppsburen elektronik. I avhandlingen presenteras två olika tillverkningsmetoder för flexibel elektronik: (1) tillverkning av porösa papperselektroder för tryckbara, kroppsburna superkondensatorer, syftande till hållbara lösningar för energilagring och (2) utveckling av ultraflexibla enheter för elektronisk hud och implanterbar elektronik för att uppnå miniatyriserade, ultratunna enhetskoncept. Sammantaget kan de högpresterande elektroniska enheter och demonstratorer som visas här ha stor betydelse för utvecklingen av bärbara hybridsystem och flexibel elektronik.

Cadmium sulfide has attracted wide attention in photocatalytic hydrogen production, due to its appropriate bandgap and band positions. However, high-rate photogenerated electron-hole recombination and few active sites on CdS lead to its low photocatalytic activity. Herein, a PANI/NCPP/CdS (PANI/NiCoP/NiCoPi/CdS) hybrid as a noble metal-free visible light-driven photocatalyst is reported, with metal phosphides, metal phosphates, and polyaniline (PANI) as reduction and oxidation cocatalysts, respectively. This hybrid not only facilitates the charge separation and transfer owing to the formation of heterojunction, but also improves the local concentration of H+ on the surface of catalysts due to the formation of the protonated amine groups on PANI, bene?cial to hydrogen evolution reaction. As a result, the as-prepared photocatalyst could show a high hydrogen evolution rate of 170.3 mmol g(-1) h(-1) and an apparent quantum efficiency of 41.37% at 420 nm, representing one of the best performances of all-CdS-based photocatalysts.

Enzymatic bioelectrochemistry represents the marriage of electrochemistry and enzymatic biocatalysis, and has led to important applications for biosensors, biofuel cells, and bioelectrocatalysis. Enzyme immobilization is the basis of enzymatic bioelectrochemistry, as immobilization itself determines the enzyme/material interface and thus the electrochemical performance. Amongst the range of methods of enzyme immobilization, one-step electrochemical approaches feature rapid immobilization and good control over the processes, enabling partial or total use of the electrode surface. In this mini-review, we first briefly introduce the operating principles of bioelectrochemical applications based on enzyme modified electrodes. We then overview recent progress in utilizing conductive polymers, redox-active modified polymers, sol–gel silica and electrochemically assistant adsorption for enzyme immobilization via one-step electrochemical approaches. The use of conductive polymers for in situ enzyme immobilization is our major focus. Perspectives for future work are also described.

Flexible electronic systems such as wearable devices, sensors and electronic skin require power sources and sensing units that are mechanically robust, operational at low bending radius, and environmentally friendly. Recently, there has been an enormous interest in active materials such as thin film semiconductors, conductive polymers, and ion-electron conductors. These materials can be deposited with both printing and microfabrication techniques onto the flexible substrates such as plastics and paper. In addition, paper-based composites with nanofibrillated cellulose are favorable due to their mechanical strength, porosity, and solution-processability. Printing of such systems enables mass-production of large area electrochemical devices i.e., batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells. Moreover, designing ultrathin devices for such concepts are promising for implantable and skin-like conformable electronics. The aim of this thesis is the development of flexible electronic devices where, both organic and inorganic materials are explored, and examples of smart packaging and wearable electronics are demonstrated. Within the thesis, two different fabrication approaches are presented to achieve flexible electronics: (1) fabrication of porous paper electrodes for printable, wearable supercapacitor applications, where our efforts towards sustainable solutions for energy storage and (2) development of ultraflexible devices for electronic skin and implantable electronics to attain miniaturized, ultrathin device concepts. Overall, high performance electronic devices and demonstrators shown here have a significant impact on portable hybrid systems and flexible electronics applications., Flexibla elektroniska system såsom kroppsburna enheter, sensorer och elektronisk hud kräver strömkällor och sensorenheter som är mekaniskt robusta, fungerar i böjt tillstånd och är miljövänliga. På senare tid har detta lett till ett enormt intresse för aktiva material som tunnfilmshalvledare, ledande polymerer och kombinerade jon- och elektronledare. Dessa material kan deponeras med både tryck- och mikrotillverkningstekniker på flexibla substrat som plast och papper. Vidare är pappersbaserade kompositer med nanofibrillerad cellulosa intressanta på grund av deras mekaniska styrka, porositet och möjlighet att processa i lösning. Tryckning av sådana system möjliggör massproduktion av elektrokemiska enheter med stor yta, dvs batterier, superkondensatorer och bränsleceller. För att ge hudliknande formbarhet och biokompatibilitet för implanterbara enheter är ultratunna enheter ett lovande koncept. Syftet med denna avhandling är att utveckla flexibla elektroniska enheter där både organiska och oorganiska material utforskas, och att demonstrera exempel på smarta förpackningar och kroppsburen elektronik. I avhandlingen presenteras två olika tillverkningsmetoder för flexibel elektronik: (1) tillverkning av porösa papperselektroder för tryckbara, kroppsburna superkondensatorer, syftande till hållbara lösningar för energilagring och (2) utveckling av ultraflexibla enheter för elektronisk hud och implanterbar elektronik för att uppnå miniatyriserade, ultratunna enhetskoncept. Sammantaget kan de högpresterande elektroniska enheter och demonstratorer som visas här ha stor betydelse för utvecklingen av bärbara hybridsystem och flexibel elektronik.

Flexible electronic systems such as wearable devices, sensors and electronic skin require power sources and sensing units that are mechanically robust, operational at low bending radius, and environmentally friendly. Recently, there has been an enormous interest in active materials such as thin film semiconductors, conductive polymers, and ion-electron conductors. These materials can be deposited with both printing and microfabrication techniques onto the flexible substrates such as plastics and paper. In addition, paper-based composites with nanofibrillated cellulose are favorable due to their mechanical strength, porosity, and solution-processability. Printing of such systems enables mass-production of large area electrochemical devices i.e., batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells. Moreover, designing ultrathin devices for such concepts are promising for implantable and skin-like conformable electronics. The aim of this thesis is the development of flexible electronic devices where, both organic and inorganic materials are explored, and examples of smart packaging and wearable electronics are demonstrated. Within the thesis, two different fabrication approaches are presented to achieve flexible electronics: (1) fabrication of porous paper electrodes for printable, wearable supercapacitor applications, where our efforts towards sustainable solutions for energy storage and (2) development of ultraflexible devices for electronic skin and implantable electronics to attain miniaturized, ultrathin device concepts. Overall, high performance electronic devices and demonstrators shown here have a significant impact on portable hybrid systems and flexible electronics applications., Flexibla elektroniska system såsom kroppsburna enheter, sensorer och elektronisk hud kräver strömkällor och sensorenheter som är mekaniskt robusta, fungerar i böjt tillstånd och är miljövänliga. På senare tid har detta lett till ett enormt intresse för aktiva material som tunnfilmshalvledare, ledande polymerer och kombinerade jon- och elektronledare. Dessa material kan deponeras med både tryck- och mikrotillverkningstekniker på flexibla substrat som plast och papper. Vidare är pappersbaserade kompositer med nanofibrillerad cellulosa intressanta på grund av deras mekaniska styrka, porositet och möjlighet att processa i lösning. Tryckning av sådana system möjliggör massproduktion av elektrokemiska enheter med stor yta, dvs batterier, superkondensatorer och bränsleceller. För att ge hudliknande formbarhet och biokompatibilitet för implanterbara enheter är ultratunna enheter ett lovande koncept. Syftet med denna avhandling är att utveckla flexibla elektroniska enheter där både organiska och oorganiska material utforskas, och att demonstrera exempel på smarta förpackningar och kroppsburen elektronik. I avhandlingen presenteras två olika tillverkningsmetoder för flexibel elektronik: (1) tillverkning av porösa papperselektroder för tryckbara, kroppsburna superkondensatorer, syftande till hållbara lösningar för energilagring och (2) utveckling av ultraflexibla enheter för elektronisk hud och implanterbar elektronik för att uppnå miniatyriserade, ultratunna enhetskoncept. Sammantaget kan de högpresterande elektroniska enheter och demonstratorer som visas här ha stor betydelse för utvecklingen av bärbara hybridsystem och flexibel elektronik.

Flexible electronic systems such as wearable devices, sensors and electronic skin require power sources and sensing units that are mechanically robust, operational at low bending radius, and environmentally friendly. Recently, there has been an enormous interest in active materials such as thin film semiconductors, conductive polymers, and ion-electron conductors. These materials can be deposited with both printing and microfabrication techniques onto the flexible substrates such as plastics and paper. In addition, paper-based composites with nanofibrillated cellulose are favorable due to their mechanical strength, porosity, and solution-processability. Printing of such systems enables mass-production of large area electrochemical devices i.e., batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells. Moreover, designing ultrathin devices for such concepts are promising for implantable and skin-like conformable electronics. The aim of this thesis is the development of flexible electronic devices where, both organic and inorganic materials are explored, and examples of smart packaging and wearable electronics are demonstrated. Within the thesis, two different fabrication approaches are presented to achieve flexible electronics: (1) fabrication of porous paper electrodes for printable, wearable supercapacitor applications, where our efforts towards sustainable solutions for energy storage and (2) development of ultraflexible devices for electronic skin and implantable electronics to attain miniaturized, ultrathin device concepts. Overall, high performance electronic devices and demonstrators shown here have a significant impact on portable hybrid systems and flexible electronics applications., Flexibla elektroniska system såsom kroppsburna enheter, sensorer och elektronisk hud kräver strömkällor och sensorenheter som är mekaniskt robusta, fungerar i böjt tillstånd och är miljövänliga. På senare tid har detta lett till ett enormt intresse för aktiva material som tunnfilmshalvledare, ledande polymerer och kombinerade jon- och elektronledare. Dessa material kan deponeras med både tryck- och mikrotillverkningstekniker på flexibla substrat som plast och papper. Vidare är pappersbaserade kompositer med nanofibrillerad cellulosa intressanta på grund av deras mekaniska styrka, porositet och möjlighet att processa i lösning. Tryckning av sådana system möjliggör massproduktion av elektrokemiska enheter med stor yta, dvs batterier, superkondensatorer och bränsleceller. För att ge hudliknande formbarhet och biokompatibilitet för implanterbara enheter är ultratunna enheter ett lovande koncept. Syftet med denna avhandling är att utveckla flexibla elektroniska enheter där både organiska och oorganiska material utforskas, och att demonstrera exempel på smarta förpackningar och kroppsburen elektronik. I avhandlingen presenteras två olika tillverkningsmetoder för flexibel elektronik: (1) tillverkning av porösa papperselektroder för tryckbara, kroppsburna superkondensatorer, syftande till hållbara lösningar för energilagring och (2) utveckling av ultraflexibla enheter för elektronisk hud och implanterbar elektronik för att uppnå miniatyriserade, ultratunna enhetskoncept. Sammantaget kan de högpresterande elektroniska enheter och demonstratorer som visas här ha stor betydelse för utvecklingen av bärbara hybridsystem och flexibel elektronik.

The electrochemical parameters of a novel binder-free self-standing biomimetic cathode based on lithium manganese oxide (LMO) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) for rechargeable Lithium-ion aqueous batteries (ReLIAB) are improved using polyaniline (PANI) core-shell in situ polymerization and graphene (Gr). The fabricated cathode material exhibits the so-called “tectonic plate island bridge” biomimetic structure. This constitution is created by combining three components as shown by a SEM and a TEM analysis: the Gr substrates support an entangled matrix of conductive CNT which connect island of non-conductive inorganic material composed of LMO. The typical spinel structure of the LMO remains unchanged after modifying the basic structure with Gr and PANI due to a simplified hydrothermal method used for synthesis. The Gr and PANI core-shell coating improves the electric conductivity from 0.0025 S/cm up to 1 S/cm. The electrochemical performances of the LMO/CNT-Gr/PANI composite electrode are optimized up to 136 mA h g−1 compared to 111 mA h g−1 of the LMO/CNT. Besides that, the new electrode shows good cycling stability after 200 galvanostatic charging/discharging cycles, making this structure a future candidate for cathode materials for ReLIAB. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is used to build a wide array of parts with a unique control of geometry and composition, but it has had limited success in highly electrically conductive three-dimensional (3D) materials. This study investigates the AM of metal-based conductive materials. The research also investigates the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of printed parts and printing conditions. The results of the research will help to understand and improve the use of AM of metal-based conductive materials and their applicability to ship board uses. For example, the Navy uses antennas for several applications that require a large amount of surface area and by embedding the antennas in load-bearing bulkheads or other structures, the functional space can be increased., Lieutenant, United States Navy, Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited

Commercially available yarns are promising precursor for artificial muscles for smart fabric-based textile wearables. Electrochemically driven conductive polymer (CP) coated yarns have already shown their potential to be used in smart fabrics. Unfortunately, the practical application of these yarns is still hindered due to their slow ion exchange properties and low strain. Here, a method is demonstrated to morph poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene:poly-styrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) coated multifilament textile yarns in highly twisted and coiled structures, providing >1% linear actuation in <1 s at a potential of +0.6 V. A potential window of +0.6 V and -1.2 V triggers the fully reversible actuation of a coiled yarn providing >1.62% strain. Compared to the untwisted, regular yarns, the twisted and coiled yarns produce >9x and >20x higher strain, respectively. The strain and speed are significantly higher than the maximum reported results from other electrochemically operated CP yarns. The yarn’s actuation is explained by reversible oxidation/reduction reactions occurring at CPs. However, the helical opening/closing of the twisted or coiled yarns due to the torsional yarn untwisting/retwisting assists the rapid and large linear actuation. These PEDOT:PSS coated yarn actuators are of great interest to drive smart textile exoskeletons.

Commercially available yarns are promising precursor for artificial muscles for smart fabric-based textile wearables. Electrochemically driven conductive polymer (CP) coated yarns have already shown their potential to be used in smart fabrics. Unfortunately, the practical application of these yarns is still hindered due to their slow ion exchange properties and low strain. Here, a method is demonstrated to morph poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene:poly-styrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) coated multifilament textile yarns in highly twisted and coiled structures, providing >1% linear actuation in <1 s at a potential of +0.6 V. A potential window of +0.6 V and -1.2 V triggers the fully reversible actuation of a coiled yarn providing >1.62% strain. Compared to the untwisted, regular yarns, the twisted and coiled yarns produce >9x and >20x higher strain, respectively. The strain and speed are significantly higher than the maximum reported results from other electrochemically operated CP yarns. The yarn’s actuation is explained by reversible oxidation/reduction reactions occurring at CPs. However, the helical opening/closing of the twisted or coiled yarns due to the torsional yarn untwisting/retwisting assists the rapid and large linear actuation. These PEDOT:PSS coated yarn actuators are of great interest to drive smart textile exoskeletons.

Bioelectricity plays an important role in cell behavior and tissue modulation, but is understudied in tissue engineering research. Endogenous electrical signaling arises from the transmembrane potential inherent to all cells and contributes to many cell behaviors, including migration, adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Electrical signals are also involved in tissue development and repair. Synthetic and natural conductive materials are under investigation for leveraging endogenous electrical signaling cues in tissue engineering applications due to their ability to direct cell differentiation, aid in maturing electroactive cell types, and promote tissue functionality. In this review, we provide a brief overview of bioelectricity and its impact on cell behavior, report recent literature using conductive materials for tissue engineering, and discuss opportunities within the field to improve experimental design when using conductive substrates.

Photoelectrochemical techniques are accurate for the study of intrinsic electronic properties of a great variety of nanostructured semiconductor materials, such as conductive polymers, carbon nanomaterials (GO, CNTs, CDs) or metal oxide nanoparticles. It is also a highly valuable implement to assess charge and/or energy transfer phenomena between the mentioned semiconductors unveiling their role as charge acceptors/donors, blockers/transporters, sensitizers/conditioners, or even as photoelectroactive materials for themselves, thus allowing the tuning of optoelectronic properties of composite materials, for their future application in fields related to energy and environment, such as water splitting, electronics, solar cells or water remediation. This versatility makes photoelectrochemistry a key tool in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

[Abstract] Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are an emerging technology for converting organic waste into electricity, thus providing potential solution to energy crises along with eco-friendly wastewater treatment. The electrode properties and biocatalysts are the major factors affecting electricity production in MFC. The electrons generated during microbial metabolism are captured by the anode and transferred towards the cathode via an external circuit, causing the flow of electricity. This flow of electrons is greatly influenced by the electrode properties and thus, much effort has been made towards electrode modification to improve the MFC performance. Different semiconductors, nanostructured metal oxides and their composite materials have been used to modify the anode as they possess high specific surface area, good biocompatibility, chemical stability and conductive properties. The cathode materials have also been modified using metals like platinum and nano-composites for increasing the redox potential, electrical conductivity and surface area. Therefore, this paper reviews the recent developments in the modification of electrodes towards improving the power generation capacity of MFCs.

Flexible implantable bioelectrodes have the potential to advance neural sensing and muscle stimulation, especially in peripheral nerve injuries. In such cases, the application of electrical stimulation to muscles prevents muscular atrophy and helps to bridge the gap between the injured nerve and the corresponding muscle. This work investigates the fabrication and characterization of a novel, cost effective, flexible bioelectrodes, based on silicone polymer (polysiloxane) and titanium (IV) dioxide. Samples were synthesized and evaluated for their electrochemical and mechanical properties. The bioelectrodes fabricated in this work exhibited promising electrical and mechanical characteristics. The ductile properties for the samples showed an elongation of 293% ± 27.1% before breaking and an elastic modulus of 32.9 ± 5.01 kPa. The impedance at 1 kHz (a standard frequency value to measure the neural activity) was equal to 198 kΩ. The lowest electrode impedance found at 7 MHz was 0.35 kΩ. Thus, supporting its' potential to be employed in implantable electrode applications.

Solution‐processed conducting polymer thin films are key components in organic and flexible electronic and optoelectronic devices. An archetypal conducting polymer is poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), which can feature a high work function and thus helps achieving Ohmic contacts for holes with many semiconductors. However, it is known that residual water in PEDOT:PSS films lowers their work function and is detrimental for device lifetime. Our photoelectron spectroscopy experiments reveal that the work function of PEDOT:PSS films containing residual water shows the same trend as function of temperature as does the dielectric constant (ε) of water, in the range between 25 °C and ‐100 °C. Consistently, it is found from impedance spectroscopy measurements that ε of residual water containing PEDOT:PSS films increases with decreasing temperature. After removal of residual water from PEDOT:PSS films by annealing in ultrahigh vacuum, the work function of thin films is much higher than before (reaching 6.1 eV) and, notably, independent of temperature. In contrast, no indication is found that the presence of residual water has any impact on the electrical conductivity. For a nominally water‐free molecularly doped conjugated donor/acceptor copolymer films, a correlation between sample work function and temperature similar to those seen for PEDOT:PSS is found., Peer Reviewed

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has been is applied as hole transport material in organic electronic devices for more than 20 years. However, the redundant sulfonic acid group of PEDOT:PSS has often been overlooked. Herein, PEDOT:PSS‐DA is prepared via a facile doping of PEDOT:PSS with dopamine hydrochloride (DA·HCl) which reacts with the redundant sulfonic acid of PSS. The PEDOT:PSS‐DA film exhibits enhanced work function and conductivity compared to those of PEDOT:PSS. PEDOT:PSS‐DA‐based devices show a power conversion efficiency of 16.55% which is the highest in organic solar cells (OSCs) with (poly[(2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4‐fluorothiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithio‐phene))‐co ‐(1,3‐di(5‐thiophene‐2‐yl)‐5,7‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione))] (PM6):(2,2′‐((2Z,2′Z)‐((12,13‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3,9‐diundecyl‐12,13‐dihydro‐[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4‐e]thieno[2′′,3′:4′,5′]thieno[2′,3′:4,5]pyrrolo[3,2‐g]thieno[2′,3′:4,5]thieno[3,2‐b]indole‐2,10‐diyl)bis(methanylylidene))bis(5,6‐difluoro‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indene‐2,1‐diylidene))dimalononitrile) (Y6) as the active layer. Furthermore, PEDOT:PSS‐DA also exhibits enhanced performance in three other donor/acceptor systems, exhibiting high compatibility in OSCs. This work demonstrates that doping PEDOT:PSS with various amino derivatives is a potentially efficient strategy to enhance the performance of PEDOT:PSS in organic electronic devices.

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has been is applied as hole transport material in organic electronic devices for more than 20 years. However, the redundant sulfonic acid group of PEDOT:PSS has often been overlooked. Herein, PEDOT:PSS‐DA is prepared via a facile doping of PEDOT:PSS with dopamine hydrochloride (DA·HCl) which reacts with the redundant sulfonic acid of PSS. The PEDOT:PSS‐DA film exhibits enhanced work function and conductivity compared to those of PEDOT:PSS. PEDOT:PSS‐DA‐based devices show a power conversion efficiency of 16.55% which is the highest in organic solar cells (OSCs) with (poly[(2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4‐fluorothiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithio‐phene))‐co ‐(1,3‐di(5‐thiophene‐2‐yl)‐5,7‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione))] (PM6):(2,2′‐((2Z,2′Z)‐((12,13‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3,9‐diundecyl‐12,13‐dihydro‐[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4‐e]thieno[2′′,3′:4′,5′]thieno[2′,3′:4,5]pyrrolo[3,2‐g]thieno[2′,3′:4,5]thieno[3,2‐b]indole‐2,10‐diyl)bis(methanylylidene))bis(5,6‐difluoro‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indene‐2,1‐diylidene))dimalononitrile) (Y6) as the active layer. Furthermore, PEDOT:PSS‐DA also exhibits enhanced performance in three other donor/acceptor systems, exhibiting high compatibility in OSCs. This work demonstrates that doping PEDOT:PSS with various amino derivatives is a potentially efficient strategy to enhance the performance of PEDOT:PSS in organic electronic devices.

Producción Científica, A strategy for the corrosion protection of porous materials using conductive polymers and nanocomposites of polymers and nanoparticle is presented. Several conductive polymers, various dopants and different electropolymerization conditions are studied to select the films with the highest corrosion resistance on porous and non-porous materials. It is found that nanocomposite films prepared from two different methods i.e., the co-generation of Au nanoparticles and the dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles inside the selected polymer coating give rise to an excellent corrosion resistance. Coated porous samples have the most noble corrosion potentials, the lowest stable passive current densities and the highest polarization resistances., Ministerio de Educación y Formación Profesional (project RTI2018-097990-B-I00), Junta de Castilla y León (projects VA275P18 and VA044G19)

Producción Científica, A strategy for the corrosion protection of porous materials using conductive polymers and nanocomposites of polymers and nanoparticle is presented. Several conductive polymers, various dopants and different electropolymerization conditions are studied to select the films with the highest corrosion resistance on porous and non-porous materials. It is found that nanocomposite films prepared from two different methods i.e., the co-generation of Au nanoparticles and the dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles inside the selected polymer coating give rise to an excellent corrosion resistance. Coated porous samples have the most noble corrosion potentials, the lowest stable passive current densities and the highest polarization resistances., Ministerio de Educación y Formación Profesional (project RTI2018-097990-B-I00), Junta de Castilla y León (projects VA275P18 and VA044G19)

Producción Científica, A strategy for the corrosion protection of porous materials using conductive polymers and nanocomposites of polymers and nanoparticle is presented. Several conductive polymers, various dopants and different electropolymerization conditions are studied to select the films with the highest corrosion resistance on porous and non-porous materials. It is found that nanocomposite films prepared from two different methods i.e., the co-generation of Au nanoparticles and the dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles inside the selected polymer coating give rise to an excellent corrosion resistance. Coated porous samples have the most noble corrosion potentials, the lowest stable passive current densities and the highest polarization resistances., Ministerio de Educación y Formación Profesional (project RTI2018-097990-B-I00), Junta de Castilla y León (projects VA275P18 and VA044G19)

Ressenya sobre la tecnologia més avançada dins del camp dels biosensors electroquímics i la seva aplicació per a la detecció de bacteris patògens encarregats de causar malalties infeccioses. Durant l’anàlisi del funcionament dels biosensors, s’han estudiat les diferents tècniques capdavanteres de detecció utilitzades actualment al camp de la biomedicina, les diferents rutes de síntesi utilitzades per a la fabricació de polímers conductors i les seves funcions dins dels biosensors. S'han analitzat les estratègies i metodologies aplicades al disseny de biosensors capaços de detectar diferents malalties infeccioses de forma selectiva. S’ha estudiat com la intervenció de polímers conductors per a la fabricació de sensors aporta nombrosos avantatges i millores que han estat analitzades durant la ressenya. D’igual manera, s’han interpretat els resultats obtinguts durant els diferents experiments analitzats i totes les variables relacionades. El treball realitzat s’ha redactat en format article i enviat com treball de revisió ("review") a la revista científica Journal of Materials Chemistry B (Factor d’impacte: 5.047) publicada per la Royal Society of Chemistry. Dins d’aquesta revista científica s’hi pot trobar tota mena d’informació sobre propietats, aplicacions i síntesis de materials presents a l’àmbit de la biologia i la medicina. Amb aquest projecte s’ha volgut redactar una ressenya amb un contingut innovador que serveixi com a referència de consulta dins del sector biomèdic en l’aplicació de biosensors modificats amb polímers conductors., Reseña sobre la tecnología más avanzada dentro del campo de los biosensores electroquímicos y su aplicación para la detección de bacterias patogénicas encargadas de causar enfermedades infecciosas. Durante el análisis del funcionamiento de los biosensores, se han estudiado las diferentes técnicas de detección utilizadas actualmente en el campo de la biomedicina, las diferentes rutas de síntesis utilizadas para la fabricación de polímeros conductores y sus funciones dentro de los biosensores. Se han analizado las estrategias y metodologías aplicadas al diseño de biosensores capaces de detectar diferentes enfermedades infecciosas de forma selectiva. Se ha estudiado como la intervención de polímeros conductores para la fabricación de sensores aporta numerosas ventajas y mejoras analizadas durante la reseña. Del mismo modo, se han interpretado los resultados obtenidos durante los diferentes experimentos analizados y todas las variables relacionadas. El trabajo realizado se ha redactado en formato artículo y enviado como trabajo de revisión (“review”) a la revista científica Journal of Materials Chemistry B (Factor de impacto: 5.047) publicada por la Royal Society of Chemistry. Dentro de esta revista científica se puede encontrar todo tipo de información sobre propiedades, aplicaciones y síntesis de materiales presentes en el ámbito de la biología y la medicina. Con este proyecto se ha querido redactar una reseña con un contenido innovador que sirva como referencia de consulta dentro del sector biomédico en la aplicación de biosensores modificados con polímeros conductores., Review of the most advanced technology in the field of electrochemical biosensors and its application for the detection of pathogenic bacteria responsible for causing infectious diseases. During the analysis of the functioning of biosensors, the different detection techniques currently used in the field of biomedicine have been studied, the different synthesis pathways used for the manufacture of conductive polymers and their functions within the biosensors. The strategies and methodologies applied to the design of biosensors capable of detecting different infectious diseases in a selective way have been analyzed. It has been studied as the intervention of conductive polymers for the manufacture of sensors brings numerous advantages and improvements analyzed during the review. Similarly, the results obtained during the different experiments analyzed and all the related variables have been interpreted. The work has been written in article format and sent as a review paper to the scientific Journal of Materials Chemistry B (Impact Factor: 5,047) published by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Within this scientific journal you can find all kinds of information on properties, applications and synthesis of materials present in the field of biology and medicine. The aim of this project was to produce a review with an innovative content that serves as a reference for consultation within the biomedical sector in the application of biosensors modified with conductive polymers.

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has been is applied as hole transport material in organic electronic devices for more than 20 years. However, the redundant sulfonic acid group of PEDOT:PSS has often been overlooked. Herein, PEDOT:PSS‐DA is prepared via a facile doping of PEDOT:PSS with dopamine hydrochloride (DA·HCl) which reacts with the redundant sulfonic acid of PSS. The PEDOT:PSS‐DA film exhibits enhanced work function and conductivity compared to those of PEDOT:PSS. PEDOT:PSS‐DA‐based devices show a power conversion efficiency of 16.55% which is the highest in organic solar cells (OSCs) with (poly[(2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4‐fluorothiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithio‐phene))‐co ‐(1,3‐di(5‐thiophene‐2‐yl)‐5,7‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione))] (PM6):(2,2′‐((2Z,2′Z)‐((12,13‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3,9‐diundecyl‐12,13‐dihydro‐[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4‐e]thieno[2′′,3′:4′,5′]thieno[2′,3′:4,5]pyrrolo[3,2‐g]thieno[2′,3′:4,5]thieno[3,2‐b]indole‐2,10‐diyl)bis(methanylylidene))bis(5,6‐difluoro‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indene‐2,1‐diylidene))dimalononitrile) (Y6) as the active layer. Furthermore, PEDOT:PSS‐DA also exhibits enhanced performance in three other donor/acceptor systems, exhibiting high compatibility in OSCs. This work demonstrates that doping PEDOT:PSS with various amino derivatives is a potentially efficient strategy to enhance the performance of PEDOT:PSS in organic electronic devices.

Aquest present projecte està emmarcat dins l’estudi del grup de recerca IMEM (Innovation in Materials and Molecular Engineering) del Departament d’Enginyeria Química de l’EEBE de la Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. S’estudiarà i portarà a terme la preparació de sensors polimèrics multicapa per a la detecció de neurotransmissors en presència d’interferents en un elèctrode de carboni vitri de dos mil·límetres de diàmetre. Els polímers conductors emprats seran el Poli(3,4-etilendioxitiofè) (PEDOT) i el Poli(N-metilpirrole) (PNMPy) electrogenerats. Com a neurotransmissors s’utilitzarà la dopamina i la serotonina i, finalment, com a medis interferents es faran servir l’orina i la suor. Els sensors polimèrics multicapa preparats seran quatre i tindran les següents configuracions. - Sensor 1: PEDOT/PNMPy/PEDOT - Sensor 2: PEDOT/COPOLÍMER/PEDOT - Sensor 3: PEDOT/PNMPy/porus/PEDOT - Sensor 4: PEDOT/COPOLÍMER/porus/COPOLÍMER/PEDOT La capa de copolímer es tracta d’una solució que conté ambdós monòmers de treball, NMPy i EDOT. Els dos últims sensors contenen una capa intermèdia de porus, és a dir, nanoperforacions obtingudes amb NaCl. S’utilitzaran mètodes potenciomètrics per a la generació de les multicapa i per a la detecció dels neurotransmissors. Per a la generació la cronoamperometria i per a la detecció i caracterització la ciclovoltamperometria. Per a la detecció no simultània dels neurotransmissors, es realitzarà addicions de les solucions stock de serotonina o dopamina a la cel·la electrolítica, que aniran de 0 – 100 µM. Així mateix, s’estudiarà els pics detectats, els límits de detecció i quantificació i la pèrdua d’electroactivitat. Finalment, s’afirma que és satisfactòria la detecció de la dopamina en medi orina i suor pels quatre sensors, que la detecció de la serotonina en medi orina també és satisfactòria i vàlida però que la detecció de la serotonina en medi suor no resulta ser concloent., Este presente proyecto está enmarcado dentro del grupo de investigación IMEM (Innovation in Materials and Molecular Engineering) del Departamento de Ingeniería Química de la EEBE de la Universidad Politécnica de Catalunya. Se estudiará y se llevará a cabo la preparación de sensores poliméricos multicapa para la detección de neurotransmisores en presencia de interferentes en un electrodo de carbono vítreo de dos milímetros de diámetro. Los polímeros conductores utilizados serán el Poli (3,4-Etilendioxitiofeno) (PEDOT) y el Poli (N-metilpirrol) (PNMPy) electrogenerados. Como neurotransmisores se utilizarán la dopamina y la serotonina y, finalmente, como medios interferentes se utilizan la orina y el sudor. Los sensores poliméricos multicapa preparados serán cuatro y tendrán las siguientes configuraciones. - Sensor 1: PEDOT/PNMPy/PEDOT - Sensor 2: PEDOT/COPOLÍMERO/PEDOT - Sensor 3: PEDOT/PNMPy/poros/PEDOT - Sensor 4: PEDOT/COPOLÍMERO/poros/COPOLÍMERO/PEDOT La capa de copolímero se trata de una solución que contiene ambos monómeros de trabajo, NMPy y EDOT. Los dos últimos sensores tienen una capa intermedia de poros, es decir, nanoperforaciones obtenidas con NaCl. Se utilizarán métodos potenciométricos para la generación de las diferentes multicapa y para la detección de los neurotransmisores. Para la generación la cronoamperometría y para la detección y caracterización la ciclovoltamperometria. Para la detección no simultánea de los neurotransmisores, se realizarán adiciones de las soluciones stock de serotonina o dopamina en la celda electrolítica, que irán de 0 – 100 µM. Asimismo, se estudiará los picos detectados, los límites de detección y la perdida de electroactividad. Finalmente, se afirma que es satisfactoria la detección de la dopamina en orina y sudor por los cuatro sensores, que la detección de la serotonina en orina también es satisfactoria y válida, pero que la detección de la serotonina en sudor no resulta ser concluyente., This project is part of the study of the IMEM (Innovation in Materials and Molecular Engineering) research group of the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia. The preparation of the multilayer polymeric sensors for the detection of neurotransmitters in the presence of interferences on a two-millimeter diameter glassy carbon electrode will be studied and carried out. The conductive polymers used will be Poly (3,4. Ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and Poly (N-methylpyrrol) (PNMPy) electrogenerated. Urine and sweat will be used as interferences and dopamine and serotonin as neurotransmitters. The multilayer polymeric sensors generated will be four and will have the following configuration. - Sensor 1: PEDOT/PNMPy/PEDOT - Sensor 2: PEDOT/COPOLIMER/PEDOT - Sensor 3: PEDOT/PNMPy/pore/PEDOT - Sensor 4: PEDOT/COPOLIMERO/pore/COPOLIMER/PEDOT The copolymer layer is a solution containing both working monomers, NMPy and EDOT. The last two sensors have an intermediate layer of pores, these are nanopores obtained with NaCl. Potentiometric methods will be used for the generation of the multilayers and for the detection of the neurotransmitters. For the generation the chronoamperometry and for the detection and characterization the cyclo-voltammetry. For non-simultaneous detection of neurotransmitters, additions of dopamine or serotonin stock solutions in the electrolytic cell will be made, ranging from 0-100 µM. The detected peaks, limit of detection and quantification and loss of electroactivity will also be studied. Finally, it is stated that the detection of dopamine in urine and sweat by the four sensors is satisfactory, that the detection of serotonin in urine is also satisfactory and valid but that the detection of serotonin in sweat is non-conclusive.

A Master of Science thesis in Biomedical Engineering by Aseel Dirar Alatoom entitled, “Design and Characterization of Flexible and Implantable Electrodes”, submitted in April 2019. Thesis advisor is Dr. Amani Al-Othman and thesis co-advisors are Dr. Hasan Awad Moh'd Al-Nashash and Dr. Mohammad Hussein Al-Sayah. Soft and hard copy available., College of Engineering, Multidisciplinary Programs

The redox activity of tavorite LiFeSO4F coated with poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), i.e. PEDOT, is investigated by means of several spectroscopic techniques. The electronic changes and iron-ligand redox features of this LiFeSO4F-PEDOT composite are probed upon delithiation through X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The PEDOT coating, which is necessary here to obtain enough electrical conductivity for the electrochemical reactions of LiFeSO4F to occur, is electrochemically stable within the voltage window employed for cell cycling. Although the electronic configuration of PEDOT shows also some changes in correspondence of its reduced and oxidized forms after electrochemical conditioning in Li half-cells, its p-type doping is fully retained between 2.7 and 4.1 V with respect to Li+/Li during the first few cycles. An increased iron-ligand interaction is observed in LixFeSO4F during electrochemical lithium extraction, which appears to be a general trend for polyanionic insertion compounds. This finding is crucial for a deeper understanding of a series of oxidation phenomena in Li-ion battery cathode materials and helps paving the way to the exploration of new energy storage materials with improved electrochemical performances.

The interconnection between hard electronics and soft textiles remains a noteworthy challenge in regard to the mass production of textile-electronic integrated products such as sensorized garments. The current solutions for this challenge usually have problems with size, flexibility, cost, or complexity of assembly. In this paper, we present a solution with a stretchable and conductive carbon nanotube (CNT)-based paste for screen printing on a textile substrate to produce interconnectors between electronic instrumentation and a sensorized garment. The prototype connectors were evaluated via electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings using a sensorized textile with integrated textile electrodes. The ECG recordings obtained using the connectors were evaluated for signal quality and heart rate detection performance in comparison to ECG recordings obtained with standard pre-gelled Ag/AgCl electrodes and direct cable connection to the ECG amplifier. The results suggest that the ECG recordings obtained with the CNT paste connector are of equivalent quality to those recorded using a silver paste connector or a direct cable and are suitable for the purpose of heart rate detection., QC 20191213

The interconnection between hard electronics and soft textiles remains a noteworthy challenge in regard to the mass production of textile–electronic integrated products such as sensorized garments. The current solutions for this challenge usually have problems with size, flexibility, cost, or complexity of assembly. In this paper, we present a solution with a stretchable and conductive carbon nanotube (CNT)-based paste for screen printing on a textile substrate to produce interconnectors between electronic instrumentation and a sensorized garment. The prototype connectors were evaluated via electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings using a sensorized textile with integrated textile electrodes. The ECG recordings obtained using the connectors were evaluated for signal quality and heart rate detection performance in comparison to ECG recordings obtained with standard pre-gelled Ag/AgCl electrodes and direct cable connection to the ECG amplifier. The results suggest that the ECG recordings obtained with the CNT paste connector are of equivalent quality to those recorded using a silver paste connector or a direct cable and are suitable for the purpose of heart rate detection.

The interconnection between hard electronics and soft textiles remains a noteworthy challenge in regard to the mass production of textile–electronic integrated products such as sensorized garments. The current solutions for this challenge usually have problems with size, flexibility, cost, or complexity of assembly. In this paper, we present a solution with a stretchable and conductive carbon nanotube (CNT)-based paste for screen printing on a textile substrate to produce interconnectors between electronic instrumentation and a sensorized garment. The prototype connectors were evaluated via electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings using a sensorized textile with integrated textile electrodes. The ECG recordings obtained using the connectors were evaluated for signal quality and heart rate detection performance in comparison to ECG recordings obtained with standard pre-gelled Ag/AgCl electrodes and direct cable connection to the ECG amplifier. The results suggest that the ECG recordings obtained with the CNT paste connector are of equivalent quality to those recorded using a silver paste connector or a direct cable and are suitable for the purpose of heart rate detection.

Developing a simple produces for efficient derivation of motor neurons (MNs) is essential for neural tissue engineering studies. Stem cells with high capacity for neural differentiation and scaffolds with the potential to promote motor neurons differentiation are promising candidates for neural tissue engineering. Recently, human olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells (OE-MSCs), which are isolated easily from the olfactory mucosa, are considered a new hope for neuronal replacement due to their neural crest origin. Herein, we synthesized conducting hydrogels using different concentration of chitosan-g-aniline pentamer, gelatin, and agarose. The chemical structures, swelling and deswelling ratio, ionic conductivity and thermal properties of the hydrogel were characterized. Scaffolds with 10% chitosan-g-aniline pentamer/gelatin (S10) were chosen for further investigation and the potential of OE-MSCs as a new source for programming to motor neuron-like cells investigated on tissue culture plate (TCP) and conductive hydrogels. Cell differentiation was evaluated at the level of mRNA and protein synthesis and indicated that conductive hydrogels significantly increased the markers related to motor neurons including Hb-9, Islet-1 and ChAT compared to TCP. Taken together, the results suggest that OE-MSCs would be successfully differentiated into motor neuron-like cells on conductive hydrogels and would have a promising potential for treating motor neuron-related diseases.

Developing a simple produces for efficient derivation of motor neurons (MNs) is essential for neural tissue engineering studies. Stem cells with high capacity for neural differentiation and scaffolds with the potential to promote motor neurons differentiation are promising candidates for neural tissue engineering. Recently, human olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells (OE-MSCs), which are isolated easily from the olfactory mucosa, are considered a new hope for neuronal replacement due to their neural crest origin. Herein, we synthesized conducting hydrogels using different concentration of chitosan-g-aniline pentamer, gelatin, and agarose. The chemical structures, swelling and deswelling ratio, ionic conductivity and thermal properties of the hydrogel were characterized. Scaffolds with 10% chitosan-g-aniline pentamer/gelatin (S10) were chosen for further investigation and the potential of OE-MSCs as a new source for programming to motor neuron-like cells investigated on tissue culture plate (TCP) and conductive hydrogels. Cell differentiation was evaluated at the level of mRNA and protein synthesis and indicated that conductive hydrogels significantly increased the markers related to motor neurons including Hb-9, Islet-1 and ChAT compared to TCP. Taken together, the results suggest that OE-MSCs would be successfully differentiated into motor neuron-like cells on conductive hydrogels and would have a promising potential for treating motor neuron-related diseases.

Graphene has attracted enormous interest in the scientific community as the first 2D material with exceptional mechanical, electronic and thermal properties. Pristine Graphene is notoriously difficult to process for macroscale applications, to overcome this many people use graphene oxide (GO) instead. GO is water soluble and easily functionalised and so can be simply processed into various systems. GO lacks the exceptional electronic properties of graphene due to structural disorder, therefore an important area of research is on the reduction of GO, which partly restores the structure and properties of graphene. Various techniques have been developed to perform the reduction step. We report a simple approach for preparing conductive Polymer Latex-rGO composites by using a latex-assembly method. After a treatment in the oven at low T, we can reduce the GO in situ. We make use of the inherent GO properties to optimise the aqueous composite fabrication, which is scalable and adaptable, and then restore conductivity with a simple, low temperature, heating step; opening up pathways to tunable electronic composite materials on a large scale.

Three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds with tailored stiffness, porosity, and conductive properties are particularly important in tissue engineering for electroactive cell attachment, proliferation, and vascularization. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) have been extensively used separately as neural interfaces showing excellent results. Herein, we combine both the materials and manufacture 3D structures composed exclusively of PEDOT and CNTs using a methodology based on vapor phase polymerization of PEDOT onto a CNT/sucrose template. Such a strategy presents versatility to produce porous scaffolds, after leaching out the sucrose grains, with different ratios of polymer/CNTs, and controllable and tunable electrical and mechanical properties. The resulting 3D structures show Young’s modulus typical of soft materials (20–50 kPa), as well as high electrical conductivity, which may play an important role in electroactive cell growth. The conductive PEDOT/CNT porous scaffolds present high biocompatibility after 3 and 6 days of C8-D1A astrocyte incubation.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology has been around for decades, but until recently, they have been expensive, relatively large, and not available to most institution. Increased technological advances in 3D printing and awareness throughout industry, universities and even hobbyist has put increasing demand to substitute AM parts in place of traditionally manufactured (subtractive) designs; however, there is a large variability of part quality and mechanical behavior due to the inherent printing process, which must be understood before AM parts are used for load bearing and overall structural designs. This research detailed in this thesis paper presents a technique to additively manufacture conductive polymer strain sensors into 3D printed polymer-based in order to measure internal strains. Methods to assemble the coupons for data acquisition and tensile loading and unloading are also detailed in this report. Several variables are explored in order to understand the effects of user-defined printing parameters on the strain sensor sensitivity, and stability while being subjected to unidirectional tension loading.Findings from this study report that there is a strong correlation between part, or coupon strain and resistance measured by the conductive strain sensor. Although several variables were explored in this study, the gauge factor and repeatability varied significantly, thus preventing clear definition between changing variables and the measured results.