Engineering Lipid-Based Pop-up Conductive Interfaces with PEDOT:PSS and Light-Responsive Azopolymer Films

Abstract

Significant challenges have emerged in the development of biomimetic electronic interfaces capable of dynamic interaction with living organisms and biological systems, including neurons, muscles, and sensory organs. Yet, there remains a need for interfaces that can function on demand, facilitating communication and biorecognition with living cells in bioelectronic systems. In this study, the design and engineering of a responsive and conductive material with cell-instructive properties, allowing for the modification of its topography through light irradiation, resulting in the formation of “pop-up structures”, is presented. A deformable substrate, composed of a bilayer comprising a light-responsive, azobenzene-containing polymer, pDR1m, and a conductive polymer, PEDOT:PSS, is fabricated and characterized. Moreover, the successful formation of supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) and the maintenance of integrity while deforming the pDR1m/PEDOT:PSS films represent promising advancements for future applications in responsive bioelectronics and neuroelectronic interfaces.