Researchers at Oxford University have made a breakthrough in the development of what they term "dropletronic" devices, marking a significant advancement in the field of iontronics, which utilises ions to transmit information in a manner akin to the human brain. The study, published in the journal Science on 28 November, opens avenues for various applications in bioengineering and biomedical fields, particularly in the communication with living human cells.
Traditional iontronic devices have predominantly relied on solid scaffolds, limiting their compatibility with soft tissues. However, the Oxford team has innovated by fabricating miniature, multifunctional devices that consist of biocompatible hydrogel droplets. Dr. Yujia Zhang, the lead researcher from the Department of Chemistry at Oxford, explained, "Ions have many advantages over electrons: for instance, the fact they have various sizes and charges means they could be used to achieve various functions in parallel."
The dropletronic devices operate as ionic analogs of electronic semiconductors, enabling controlled ion movement similar to electron management in conventional electronics. The researchers achieved this by assembling microscale droplets using surfactants and triggering their connectivity through light exposure. This technology allows for the creation of critical electronic components such as diodes, transistors, logic gates, and memory devices, all within this new framework.
The efficiency and response time of these dropletronic devices exceed those of existing soft iontronic devices, with performance on par with solid iontronic counterparts, while maintaining flexibility and integration capabilities with biological systems. This was emphasised by Dr. Zhang’s statement regarding long-term memory storage accomplished through the incorporation of large ionic polymers, achieving objectives not possible with previous iontronic systems.
The capability of dropletronic technology extends beyond merely controlling ion movements—these devices can also interact directly with biological cells and record physiological signals. In demonstrating this application, the research team successfully used these sensors to capture electrical signals from beating human heart cells. Dr. Christopher Toepfer, an Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Science at the Radcliffe Department of Medicine at Oxford, stated, "This is the first example of a lab-built biological sensor that can sense and respond to changes in function of human heart cells in a dish."
The implications of this research are substantial, hinting at future possibilities for intelligent drug delivery systems capable of responding to physiological fluctuations at a cellular level. The researchers foresee potential integration of dropletronic technology with living biological matter, which could enhance clinical practices through the identification and communication of various vital ionic and molecular signals.
Furthermore, the development of ionic logic systems inspired by neuronal function suggests a pathway towards neuromorphic processing and computation. As noted by Professor Hagan Bayley, the research group leader, "Dr. Zhang has used a creative, highly multidisciplinary approach... to produce the first microscale 'dropletronic' devices." The progress made in this study not only demonstrates the potential for practical applications in both fundamental science and medicine but also heralds an era of innovative bioelectronic solutions.
The discovery illustrates the continual evolution of iontronic technologies, which may significantly influence future medical devices, offering biocompatible solutions that interact seamlessly with biological systems.
Source: Noah Wire Services