Blood-catalyzed n-doped polymers for reversible optical neural control
Summary
Biocompatible integration of synthetic materials with living tissue remains a major challenge for bioelectronics. In this case, substrate-free conducting polymer (CP) interfaces could help bridge this gap. We report in vivo assembly of n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) (n-PBDF) using whole blood-catalyzed polymerization in awake zebrafish and mice. This approach leverages endogenous catalysts, specifically hemoproteins, to form stable, thermally and ionically sensitive CP networks, ensuring
Content
# Blood-catalyzed n-doped polymers for reversible optical neural control
*Published: 2026 Apr 2*
Biocompatible integration of synthetic materials with living tissue remains a
major challenge for bioelectronics. In this case, substrate-free conducting
polymer (CP) interfaces could help bridge this gap. We report in vivo assembly
of n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) (n-PBDF) using whole blood-catalyzed
polymerization in awake zebrafish and mice. This approach leverages endogenous
catalysts, specifically hemoproteins, to form stable, thermally and ionically
sensitive CP networks, ensuring long-term compatibility throughout the lifespan.
We showcase the impact of this interface through reversible, cellular, and
subcellular neuromodulation using near-infrared (NIR) light, including in vivo
polymerized n-PBDF. Electrophysiological studies confirmed that n-PBDF alters
intrinsic sodium ion channel excitability, and NIR light stimulation amplifies
this modulation through thermoionic-induced shunting, providing on-demand,
millisecond-scale reversible inhibitory control of excitability, a feature
recapitulated in actively behaving mice.
DOI: 10.1126/science.adu5500