Emerging Biomedical Applications of Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes. Issue 14 (17th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Murawski, Caroline; Gather, Malte C.
• Is Part Of: Advanced optical materials. Volume 9:Issue 14(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-05-17
• Subjects: biointegrated electronics -- biophotonics -- organic LEDs -- photomedicine -- transient electronics; Optical materials -- Periodicals; Photonics -- Periodicals; 620.11295
• DOI: 10.1002/adom.202100269
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2195-1071

Abstract

Abstract: As solid‐state light sources based on amorphous organic semiconductors, organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are widely used in modern smartphone displays and TVs. Due to the dramatic improvements in stability, efficiency, and brightness achieved over the last three decades, OLEDs have also become attractive light sources for compact and "imperceptible" biomedical devices that use light to probe, image, manipulate, or treat biological matter. The inherent mechanical flexibility of OLEDs and their compatibility with a wide range of substrates and geometries are of particular benefit in this context. Here, recent progress in the development and use of OLEDs for biomedical applications is reviewed. The specific requirements that this poses are described and compared to the current state of the art, in particular in terms of the brightness, patterning, stability, and encapsulation of OLEDs. Examples from several main areas are then discussed in some detail: on‐chip sensing and integration with microfluidics, wearable devices for optical monitoring, therapeutic devices, and the emerging use in neuroscience for targeted photostimulation via optogenetics. The review closes with a brief outlook on future avenues to scale the manufacturing of OLED‐based devices for biomedical use. Abstract : Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) make it possible to create free‐form, mechanically flexible light sources and high‐resolution displays, and are thus ideally suited for applications in biophotonics and medicine. This review discusses the technical challenges that need to be met to enable emerging applications of OLEDs in lab‐on‐chip settings, as wearable sensors, therapeutic light sources, and for neuronal stimulation via optogenetics.