We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Sustainable and imperceptible augmentation of living structures with organic bioelectronic fibres
AI summary Read the abstract
Not relevant to microplastics — this bioelectronics study demonstrates imperceptibly thin PEDOT:PSS organic fibers that can be tethered directly onto living surfaces like human skin and plant leaves to enable biopotential sensing and wearable electronics.
Functional and sensory augmentation of living structures, such as the human skin and plant epidermis, offers vast opportunities for biology-machine interface, wearable health, and environmental monitoring. However, current sensor and electronic formats could be obstructive to their hosts’ inherent sensations or physiological changes. Challenges are also faced in widening the augmentation of living structures without drastically increasing the global environmental and ecological burdens. Here, we demonstrate imperceptibly augmented living systems, through in situ tethering of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) : polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)-based organic bioelectronic fibres. Customising fibre tether patterns and modalities enable applications from biopotential acquisition and skin-gated organic electrochemical transistors, to augmented touch and plant interfaces. The open networks formed by the intrinsically substrate-free fibres provide a biomorphic interface, while supporting direct coupling with microelectronics and e-textiles. We further demonstrate conceptual fibre formats for on-demand device repair, upgrade, and recycle, or for enhancing electromechanical stability against touch. Our work may unfold wearable technologies that are simultaneously biologically-adaptable and sustainable.
More Papers Like This
Imperceptible augmentation of living systems with organic bioelectronic fibres
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed ultrathin, substrate-free organic electronic fiber networks that can be spun directly onto biological surfaces — including human skin and plant leaves — enabling imperceptible health monitoring sensors such as ECG and EMG electrodes that can also be repaired and recycled.
Microplastics from Wearable Bioelectronic Devices: Sources, Risks, and Sustainable Solutions
AI summary Read the abstract
This review highlights that polymer-based wearable bioelectronic devices — such as electronic skins used in continuous health monitoring — can shed microplastics during use, and calls for sustainable polymer design strategies to address this overlooked emission source.
Cellulose nanofiber-based electrode as a component of an enzyme-catalyzed biofuel cell
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a flexible, biodegradable biofuel cell using cellulose nanofiber electrodes as a plastic-free alternative for wearable sensors. The device performed comparably to plastic-based equivalents and is readily disposable like paper, offering a path toward reducing microplastic contamination from disposable electronic devices.
Electrical Properties of Biopolymers
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a modified biopolymer material for sensor applications using bio-based feedstocks, positioning it as an alternative to petrochemical plastics — a development relevant to reducing microplastic generation from conventional plastic sensor components.
Washable PEDOT:PSS Coated Polyester with Submicron Sized Fibers for Wearable Technologies
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed PEDOT:PSS-coated polyester submicron fibers that maintain conductivity through domestic washing cycles, using plasma pre-treatment and ethylene glycol doping to improve adhesion and sheet resistance, making them promising candidates for washable smart textile applications.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.