Journal Article

IMPULSE-2025-00071

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png A high-frequency artificial nerve based on homogeneously integrated organic electrochemical transistors

Wang, S. ; Wang, Y. ; Cai, X. ; Wang, B. (Corresponding author) ; Zhao, C. (Corresponding author) ; Pan, G. ; Harder, C. ; Bulut, Y. ; Zhang, B. ; Zhang, S. ; Kong, Y. ; Huang, K. ; Xie, B. ; Müller-Buschbaum, P.MLZ* ; Roth, S. V. ; Yang, L. ; Li, Y. ; Han, Y. ; Bao, G. ; Ma, W.

2025
Springer Nature Limited London

Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1038/s41928-025-01357-7

Abstract: Artificial nerves that are capable of sensing, processing and memory functions at bio-realistic frequencies are of potential use in nerve repair and brain–machine interfaces. n-type organic electrochemical transistors are a possible building block for artificial nerves, as their positive-potential-triggered potentiation behaviour can mimic that of biological cells. However, the devices are limited by weak ionic and electronic transport and storage properties, which leads to poor volatile and non-volatile performance and, in particular, a slow response. We describe a high-frequency artificial nerve based on homogeneously integrated organic electrochemical transistors. We fabricate a vertical n-type organic electrochemical transistor with a gradient-intermixed bicontinuous structure that simultaneously enhances the ionic and electronic transport and the ion storage. The transistor exhibits a volatile response of 27 μs, a 100-kHz non-volatile memory frequency and a long state-retention time. Our integrated artificial nerve, which contains vertical n-type and p-type organic electrochemical transistors, offers sensing, processing and memory functions in the high-frequency domain. We also show that the artificial nerve can be integrated into animal models with compromised neural functions and that it can mimic basic conditioned reflex behaviour.

Keyword(s): Health and Life (1st) ; Materials Science (2nd) ; Medicine (2nd)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ)
2. E13 (E13)

Experiment(s):

1. No specific instrument

Appears in the scientific report 2025

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Database coverage:
; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Engineering, Computing and Technology ; DEAL Nature ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 30 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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