The joint research team of Professor Seung Hwan Ko and Professor C-Yoon Kim published their research results in the world-famous scientific magazine "Science Advances" on June 8, local time in the United States.

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Laser-induced photothermal chemical reactions enable phase separation of PEDOT: Application of PSS as a basic technology for soft bioelectronic devices.

The joint research team of Professor Seung Hwan Ko (Seoul National University) and Professor C-Yoon Kim (Konkuk University) published their research results in the world-famous science magazine "Science Advances" on June 8, local time in the United States.

Laser-induced phase separation of conductive polymers, PEDOTPSS.

Development of microscale safe neural electrodes for medical treatment of patients with central nervous system diseases identified by reading electrical signals from specific areas of the brain or electrically stimulating the brain Condition is critical. Existing neural electrodes are mainly made of hard metal, so they are difficult to attach to soft tissue and have serious side effects.

The microelectrodes developed by the research team use soft, biofriendly conductive polymers that stretch like living tissue, are safe when inserted into the body for long periods of time, and minimize immune responses. In addition, with high conductivity and pattern resolution, it can accurately read neural signals from very small cells.

Preparation of conductive hydrogel patterns and their application in bioelectronic devices.

The research team discovered a phase separation phenomenon in which the conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is irradiated with laser light. There will be local changes in the internal structure.

PEDOT: PSS is a biocompatible conductive polymer that has attracted much attention as a core material in bioelectronics. However, the phase distribution within the polymer is not conducive to electrical conductivity and mechanical stability in aqueous solutions. To solve this problem, phase-changing phase separation processes led by chemical treatment technology have been developed. Phase-separated conductive polymers are conductive hydrogels that maintain electrical and mechanical properties in aqueous solutions. However, since most chemicals used for phase separation are highly cytotoxic and require detoxification before use as bioelectronic devices, there are limitations in low conductivity that require additional patterning.

Laser treated PEDOT.

The research team used the photothermal chemical reaction of laser light to induce phase separation of PEDOT:PSS without toxic additives. Digital laser patterning technology that converts desired areas of PEDOT:PSS into conductive hydrogel enables the creation of fine patterns that maintain electrical and mechanical properties. While the untreated areas of PEDOT:PSS dissolve in water.

This technology can generate conductive hydrogel patterns at a faster speed at the photolithographic process level. It can also safely read brain signals and/or apply electrical stimulation, and can be implanted in vivo due to its soft mechanical properties and high electrochemical properties.

bioelectronic applications.

Professor Seung Hwan Ko, author of the study, said: "It is possible to produce high-resolution conductive hydrogel patterns at the photolithography process level with greatly reduced cost and time. This will potentially facilitate the development of conductive polymer water-based materials that require conductive polymers. Technological development in various research fields of gels. "Professor C-Yoon Kim said, "With the highly biocompatibility of the laser process, it will become a new basic technology for brain-computer interfaces when implanting long-term implants. When introduced into the body, electrophysiological signals can be collected while maintaining health." Triangle G60 Laser Alliance Chen Changjun’s original work!