Organic electronics at the interface with biology

Owens, RM and Malliaras, GG (2010) Organic electronics at the interface with biology. MRS Bulletin, 35. pp. 449-456. ISSN 0883-7694

Abstract

The emergence of organic electronics represents one of the most dramatic technological developments of the past two decades. Perhaps the most important frontier of this field involves the interface with biology. The "soft" nature of organics offers better mechanical compatibility with tissue than traditional electronic materials, while their natural compatibility with mechanically flexible substrates suits the nonplanar form factors often required for implants. More importantly, the ability of organics to conduct ions in addition to electrons and holes opens up a new communication channel with biology. In this article, we consider a few examples that illustrate the coupling between organic electronics and biology and highlight new directions of research.