Proton injecting systems based on melanin derivatives

Abstract

Organic bioelectronics is an interdisciplinary field that is growing at a fast pace. The field promises new methods for detecting, reading or writing biological signals with organic electronic devices to enhance medical outcomes. A key research focus in bioelectronics is investigating methods for transducing a signal from biological media (predominantly due to ions and protons) to modern electronic signals (predominantly electrons and holes); mechanisms of which are not well understood due to the different chemical and physical properties of both species. A promising material to become a viable interface for future bioelectronic devices is the biomacromolecule melanin. Melanin is a natural pigment found throughout nature, therefore it is inherently biocompatible, with protonic and electronic conducting capabilities that can be modulated by the state of hydration of the material. Furthermore, melanin can be fabricated in device quality thin-films making it attractive for applications. Thus, the present project aims to explore the charge transport properties, both ionic and electronic, of different melanin derivatives to assess their suitability in creating solid-state, ion-to-electron transducing elements. Special attention will be given to electrical characterization of the melanin derivatives under hydration-controlled atmosphere followed by the fabrication of prototype devices and characterization of their performance.