Filtration-processed biomass nanofiber electrodes for flexible bioelectronics

An increasing demand for bioelectronics that interface with living systems has driven the development of materials to resolve mismatches between electronic devices and biological tissues. So far, a variety of different polymers have been used as substrates for bioelectronics. Especially, biopolymers have been investigated as next-generation materials for bioelectronics because they possess interesting characteristics such as high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and sustainability. However, their range of applications has been restricted due to the limited compatibility of classical fabrication methods with such biopolymers. Here, we introduce a fabrication process for thin and large-area films of chitosan nanofibers (CSNFs) integrated with conductive materials. To this end, we pattern carbon nanotubes (CNTs), silver nanowires, and poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) by a facile filtration process that uses polyimide masks fabricated via laser ablation. This method yields feedlines of conductive material on nanofiber paper and demonstrates compatibility with conjugated and high-aspect-ratio materials. Furthermore, we fabricate a CNT neural interface electrode by taking advantage of this fabrication process and demonstrate peripheral nerve stimulation to the rapid extensor nerve of a live locust. The presented method might pave the way for future bioelectronic devices based on biopolymer nanofibers.

Automated summary

The increasing demand for bioelectronics has led to the development of materials that can bridge the gap between electronic devices and biological tissues. Biopolymers have gained attention as next-generation materials for bioelectronics due to their high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and sustainability. However, their use has been limited by the compatibility issues with traditional fabrication methods. This study presents a fabrication process for chitosan nanofiber films integrated with conductive materials, providing a potential solution for future bioelectronic devices based on biopolymer nanofibers.