Organic Bionics: A New Dimension in Neural Communications

• Published in: Advanced functional materials 2012-05, Vol.22 (10), p.2003-2014
• Main Authors: Moulton, Simon Edward, Higgins, Michael John, Kapsa, Robert Michail Ivan, Wallace, Gordon George
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: conducting polymers; electrical stimulation; implants; medical bionics; neural communication
• ISSN: 1616-301X; 1616-3028
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201102232

The term “bionics” is synonymous with the term “biomimetics” and in this context refers to the integration of human engineered devices to take advantage of functional mechanisms and structures resident in nature. The use of electrical conductors to transmit charge into and out of biological systems to affect biological processes has been the source of great scientific interest. This has inspired many to explore the possible use of electrical stimulation in promoting positive health outcomes. Advances in medical bionics technology are dependent upon eliciting precise control of the electrical energy to deliver beneficial health outcomes. The advent of carbon‐based organic conductors now provides the platform for unprecedented possibilities by which the electrical energy can be used to modulate the function of medical devices. The use of organic conductors in the field of bionics, and in particular medical bionics, as that involved with the development of devices that enable the effective integration of biology (nature) and electronics to achieve a targeted functional outcome is explored. Advances in medical bionics technology are dependent upon eliciting precise control of biological events at the electrode/cellular interface. The advent of carbon‐based organic conductors now provides the platform for unprecedented possibilities. These organic conductors are inherently cytocompatible and the ability to precisely control interfacial chemistries through electrical stimulation brings new dimensions to bionic devices.