Rational Molecular Design of Aniline-Based Donor-Acceptor Conducting Polymers Enhancing Ionic Molecular Interaction...

Area of Science:

• Organic electronics
• Materials science
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• Conducting polymers (CPs) are vital for wearable bioelectronic devices, but their classical structures limit biosensor performance.
• Accurate pH monitoring is crucial for managing metabolic disorders and skin conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize high-performance donor-acceptor (D-A) aniline-based CPs for enhanced wearable biosensors.
• To improve sensitivity and stability for pH sensing applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Density Functional Theory (DFT) for precise molecular design of CPs.
• Synthesized and examined donor-donor (D-D) and D-A CPs, including poly(aniline-co-o-fluoroaniline) and poly(aniline-co-o-methoxyaniline).

Main Results:

• The D-A/poly(aniline-co-o-methoxyaniline) exhibited a 1.4- and 3.7-fold increase in sensitivity and a 3.6- and 9.0-fold enhancement in stability for pH sensing compared to controls.
• Demonstrated real-time sweat pH monitoring using the developed wearable biosensor during various activities.

Conclusions:

• The D-A CP design strategy offers a pathway to advanced functional materials for high-performance organic bioelectronics.
• These findings support the development of innovative wearable biosensors for health monitoring and other applications.