Plasticizer and catalyst co-functionalized PEDOT:PSS enables stretchable electrochemical sensing of living cells. Issue 43 (21st October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yan, Jing; Qin, Yu; Fan, Wen-Ting; Wu, Wen-Tao; Lv, Song-Wei; Yan, Li-Ping; Liu, Yan-Ling; Huang, Wei-Hua
• Is Part Of: Chemical science. Volume 12:Issue 43(2021)
• Page Start: 14432
• Page End: 14440
• Publication Date: 2021-10-21
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/d1sc04138j
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2041-6520

Abstract

Abstract : A facile strategy for constructing stretchable sensors with excellent mechanical, electrochemical and biocompatible performance is developed, and in situ inducing and monitoring of stretch-evoked H2 O2 release from cells has been successfully achieved. Abstract : Recently, stretchable electrochemical sensors have stood out as a powerful tool for the detection of soft cells and tissues, since they could perfectly comply with the deformation of living organisms and synchronously monitor mechanically evoked biomolecule release. However, existing strategies for the fabrication of stretchable electrochemical sensors still face with huge challenges due to scarce electrode materials, demanding processing techniques and great complexity in further functionalization. Herein, we report a novel and facile strategy for one-step preparation of stretchable electrochemical biosensors by doping ionic liquid and catalyst into a conductive polymer (poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate), PEDOT:PSS). Bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonimide lithium salt as a small-molecule plasticizer can significantly improve the stretchability and conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS film, and cobalt phthalocyanine as an electrocatalyst endows the film with excellent electrochemical sensing performance. Moreover, the functionalized PEDOT:PSS retained good cell biocompatibility with two extra dopants. These satisfactory properties allowed the real-time monitoring of stretch-induced transient hydrogen peroxide release from cells. This work presents a versatile strategy to fabricate conductive polymer-based stretchable electrodes with easy processing and excellent performance, which benefits the in-depth exploration of sophisticated life activities by electrochemical sensing.