Recent Advances in Laser-Induced Phase Separation of PEDOT:PSS for Bioelectronics

Abstract

Conductive hydrogels are gaining significant attention for their potential in bioelectronic applications. Among these materials, poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) emerges as a promising candidate due to its intrinsic conductivity, flexibility, and biocompatibility. Recently, laser-induced phase separation (LIPS) offers a tunable approach for modifying PEDOT:PSS, significantly enhancing its electrical conductivity, wet stability, and electrochemical stability. This technique also allows for high-spatial-resolution patterning, rendering it suitable for fabricating on-demand bioelectronic interfaces. The excellent biocompatibility of the laser-treated PEDOT:PSS further broadens its potential applications in soft bioelectronic devices. After revealing the LIPS mechanism of PEDOT:PSS and summarizing its key properties, this review offers an overview of its applications in neural signal recording, stimulation, and conduction block. This review establishes a critical connection among the mechanism, properties, and applications of LIPS, thereby paving the way for future research toward advanced bioelectronic applications and beyond.