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Organic electro-scattering antenna: Wireless and multisite probing of electrical potentials with high spatial resolution

Summary

Researchers have developed tiny organic antennas that can wirelessly detect electrical signals in liquid environments with remarkable precision. These antennas use light scattering to monitor electrical activity and can be densely packed together to simultaneously measure thousands of signals from different locations. The technology could revolutionize how scientists study heart cells, nerve cells, and other bioelectrical phenomena, potentially enabling new medical diagnostic tools and treatments.

Background

Monitoring electrical potentials with high recording site density and micrometer spatial resolution in liquid environments is critical for biosensing applications. Organic electronic materials have advanced the field significantly, but limitations in spatial resolution and recording density persist. This work addresses the need for wireless, light-based detection systems with improved capabilities.

Objective

To introduce organic electro-scattering antennas (OCEANs) for wireless, light-based probing of electrical signals with micrometer spatial resolution from potentially thousands of recording sites. The goal is to overcome spatial resolution and recording density limitations of existing biosensing technologies.

Results

Single OCEANs demonstrated signal-to-noise ratios up to 48 in response to 100-mV stimuli with detection limits of 2.5 mV. Time constants ranged from 6.0 to 233.9 milliseconds for structures of 0.7 to 1.8 micrometers. OCEANs achieved 5-micrometer spatial resolution with a recording density of 4×10⁶ cm⁻² and exhibited exceptional long-term stability over 10 continuous hours of operation.

Conclusion

OCEANs represent a novel approach to biosensing by leveraging light scattering properties of PEDOT:PSS to detect electrical potentials wirelessly. The technology potentially enables functional readouts from thousands of recording sites simultaneously with high spatial resolution over extended periods, positioning OCEANs as a significant advancement for bioelectronics research and clinical applications.
  • Published in:Science Advances,
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: 10.1126/sciadv.adr8380, PMID: 39705344
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