Successful bioelectronics should rely on an active material that is biocompatible and interfaces intimately with cells. We report on biocompatible hydrogen-bonded semiconductor nanostructured crystals for cellular photostimulation. The biomimetic hierarchical crystals show impressive affinity for cellular coupling and efficient stimulation. The close interface between the nanostructured crystals and cells was elucidated using electron microscopy. Light irradiation was found to elicit a reversible electrophysiological response, measured using patch-clamp microelectrochemistry, only in cells that grow in contact with the nanostructured crystals. The mechanism of action was studied by investigating the effects of photoexcitation on specific ion channels. In total, three different types of ion channels and two types of cells were studied. We discuss the interplay between capacitive, faradaic, and thermal effects on cellular electrophysiology. Over the presented materials would be a potent candidate for cellular photostimulation, which is highly relevant to the new generation of wireless retinal implants.

Cellular photostimulation with hydrogen-bonded organic semiconductor microcrystal interfaces

252nd National Meeting (2016)

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