Perylene Derivative OFET for Stable Bioelectrical Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioelectronics devices face challenges in transducing cell bioelectrical activity into quantitative signals and providing selective electrical stimuli without invasive monitoring, with silicon-based systems showing limited sensitivity and biofouling issues, while organic semiconductor devices struggle to maintain performance in aqueous environments.
Innovation Solution
An organic field-effect transistor (OFET) system using a diimide perylene derivative with alkyl groups, such as N,N′-ditridecylperylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic diimide (P13), as the charge injecting contacts and capping layer, which maintains performance and biocompatibility in aqueous environments, allowing for both sensing and stimulation of neuronal cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If silicon-based transistors are used for bioelectrical monitoring, then device performance and sensitivity are improved, but biofouling and biocompatibility issues worsen in vivo
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from inorganic silicon to organic semiconductor materials, which fundamentally alters the surface properties and chemical composition to achieve both high sensitivity and improved biocompatibility in vivo
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite organic semiconductor structures with specific functional layers that combine high charge carrier mobility for sensitive detection with biocompatible surface properties for long-term in vivo operation
2Ease of manufacture
If organic semiconductor devices are used, then biocompatibility and ease of manufacture are improved, but performance stability in aqueous environments worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of organic semiconductor materials through molecular design and synthesis to achieve water stability while maintaining solution processability and manufacturing advantages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert protective environment around the organic semiconductor material through encapsulation and surface modification techniques that prevent degradation in aqueous cell culture conditions
3Measurement precision
If invasive monitoring approaches are used, then signal detection capability is improved, but cell perturbation and harmful effects worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical electrode contact with non-contact field-effect sensing mechanisms that detect bioelectrical signals through capacitive coupling, eliminating physical perturbation of cells
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an organic semiconductor layer as an intermediary between the sensing electrode and biological sample, enabling signal transduction without direct invasive contact that could perturb cell function
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The P13-based OFET system preserves neuronal firing capability and maintains electron mobility and threshold voltage values even after prolonged exposure to in vitro cell culture conditions, demonstrating enhanced biocompatibility and stability, enabling effective transduction of cell bioelectrical activity and electrical stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
organic field-effect transistor (OFET) with charge injecting contacts containing a layer made with a diimmide perylene derivative
Implementation Method 2
charge accumulation and transport occurs in the first nanometers at the interface between the organic and the dielectric layers
Implementation Method 3
P13-based OFET preserve their characteristics in terms of electron mobility and threshold voltage values after 16 days of in vitro treatment
Implementation Method 4
field-effect transport is still well performing even after several days (16) of exposure to standard condition currently applied for in vitro cell culture
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device comprising an organic field effect transistor (OFET) with charge injecting contacts containing a semiconductor layer formed by a perylene derivative, to uses of said device as a medical sensor and/or as a medical cell stimulator and to methods of stimulating and/or monitoring biological cellular activity by using said device.