Optoelectronic polymer devices for biomimicking visual response and developing neuronal interfaces for artificial retina applications

Abstract

The integration of biological systeM.S. at cellular and systeM.S. level with soft materials having electronic and sensory capabilities opens up interesting possibilities. Synthetic polymers have been extensively used for biomedical applications including biosensing, bio-diagnostics and therapy. For instance, the availability of soft polymer substrates, which mechanically mimic the in vivo conditions, has helped in rapid advances in the field of tissue engineering. Further introduction of electronic properties in these polymeric substrates makes it possible to couple them to electrically active tissues such as brain, heart and skeletal muscles to create various body-machine interfaces and implants. The unique combination of mechanical, electronic and optoelectronic properties of these polymeric systeM.S. opens up new vistas and possibilities and enables the development of novel bioelectronic interfaces (Figure 1.1).