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Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Optical Control of Living Cells Electrical Activity by Conjugated Polymers

Optical Control of Living Cells Electrical Activity by Conjugated Polymers

Published on: January 28, 2016

Photothermal cellular stimulation in functional bio-polymer interfaces.

Nicola Martino¹, Paul Feyen², Matteo Porro³

¹1] Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy [2] Politecnico di Milano, Dip.to di Fisica, P.zza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.

Scientific Reports

|March 11, 2015

Summary

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This summary is machine-generated.

Organic semiconductors offer new ways to control cell activity with light. Researchers found light-induced thermal effects in poly(3-hexylthiophene) films alter Human Embryonic Kidney cell membrane potential.

Area of Science:

Biophysics
Materials Science
Cell Biology

Background:

Hybrid interfaces of organic semiconductors and tissues offer potential for in-vitro and in-vivo applications.
Light-sensitive conjugated polymers enable optical modulation of cellular activity.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate light-induced changes in the membrane potential of Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK-293) cells cultured on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) thin films.
Characterize the mechanisms responsible for light-induced cellular responses.

Main Methods:

Culturing HEK-293 cells on P3HT thin films.
Applying optical stimulation.
Measuring changes in cell membrane potential.
Analyzing capacitive charging and thermal effects.

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Last Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Optical Control of Living Cells Electrical Activity by Conjugated Polymers

Optical Control of Living Cells Electrical Activity by Conjugated Polymers

Published on: January 28, 2016

Electroactive Polymer Nanoparticles Exhibiting Photothermal Properties

Electroactive Polymer Nanoparticles Exhibiting Photothermal Properties

Published on: January 8, 2016

Preparation of Thermoresponsive Nanostructured Surfaces for Tissue Engineering

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Main Results:

Identified capacitive charging at the polymer interface.
Characterized two concomitant light-induced mechanisms: membrane depolarization and hyperpolarization.
Demonstrated that both mechanisms are mediated by a thermal effect.

Conclusions:

The study elucidates light-induced thermal mechanisms influencing cell membrane potential on organic semiconductor interfaces.
Results pave the way for developing platforms for light-controlled cell manipulation.
Potential applications include neuroscience and medicine.