3D printable high-performance conducting polymer hydrogel for all-hydrogel bioelectronic interfaces

A bi-continuous hydrogel prepared from phase-separated PEDOT:PSS and polyurethane is 3D printed into soft biolelectronic devices with high electrical conductivity, stretchability and toughness for long-term in vivo electrophysiological monitoring and stimulation. Owing to the unique combination of electrical conductivity and tissue-like mechanical properties, conducting polymer hydrogels have emerged as a promising candidate for bioelectronic interfacing with biological systems. However, despite the recent advances, the development of hydrogels with both excellent electrical and mechanical properties in physiological environments is still challenging. Here we report a bi-continuous conducting polymer hydrogel that simultaneously achieves high electrical conductivity (over 11 S cm(-1)), stretchability (over 400%) and fracture toughness (over 3,300 J m(-2)) in physiological environments and is readily applicable to advanced fabrication methods including 3D printing. Enabled by these properties, we further demonstrate multi-material 3D printing of monolithic all-hydrogel bioelectronic interfaces for long-term electrophysiological recording and stimulation of various organs in rat models.

Automated summary

Researchers have developed a bi-continuous conducting polymer hydrogel with high electrical conductivity, stretchability, and toughness for 3D printing soft bioelectronic devices. This hydrogel shows promise for long-term in vivo electrophysiological monitoring and stimulation due to its unique combination of electrical conductivity and tissue-like mechanical properties. The hydrogel achieves high electrical conductivity, stretchability, and fracture toughness in physiological environments, making it suitable for advanced fabrication methods such as 3D printing. The researchers also demonstrate the use of this hydrogel for 3D printing monolithic all-hydrogel bioelectronic interfaces for long-term electrophysiological recording and stimulation in rat models.