Investigation of poly(benzodifurandione) for bioelectronics: high conductivity, electrical stability, and biocompatibility

Poly(benzodifurandione) (PBFDO), a recently developed n-type conductive polymer, shows promise as an alternative material for bioelectronics, particularly in neural probes. This study systematically evaluates the electrical, mechanical, and biocompatibility properties of PBFDO and compares its performance with the widely used material for bioelectronics; poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). The intrinsic doping mechanism of PBFDO provides high electrical conductivity (up to 2000 S/cm) without requiring external dopants, enhancing its environmental stability and simplifying fabrication. Surface characterizations revealed uniform coatings and hydrophilic properties suitable for bioelectronics. Notably, PBFDO demonstrated exceptional electrical stability in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), retaining 97% of its initial conductivity after three days. Biocompatibility assays using NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells showed no cytotoxic effects, with cell proliferation rates comparable to bare glass and crosslinked PEDOT:PSS. These findings establish PBFDO as a robust and biocompatible material for next-generation bioelectronic devices, including neural probes, biosensors, and implantable electrodes.

Graphical abstract

We highlight PBFDO as a promising biocompatible electrode material for neural probes. PBFDO demonstrates intrinsically high conductivity, exceptional stability in aqueous environments, and excellent biocompatibility, all without the need for modification or post-treatment, outperforming PEDOT:PSS. These properties make PBFDO an ideal candidate for use in neural probes, offering superior material performance.