Laser writing of nitrogen-doped silicon carbide for biological modulation

Abstract

Conducting or semiconducting materials embedded in insulating polymeric substrates can be useful in biointerface applications; however, attainment of this composite configuration by direct chemical processes is challenging. Laser-assisted synthesis has evolved as a fast and inexpensive technique to prepare various materials, but its utility in the construction of biophysical tools or biomedical devices is less explored. Here, we use laser writing to convert portions of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) into nitrogen-doped cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC). The dense 3C-SiC surface layer is connected to the PDMS matrix via a spongy graphite layer, facilitating electrochemical and photoelectrochemical activity. We demonstrate the fabrication of arbitrary two-dimensional (2D) SiC-based patterns in PDMS and freestanding 3D constructs. To establish the functionality of the laser-produced composite, we apply it as flexible electrodes for pacing isolated hearts and as photoelectrodes for local peroxide delivery to smooth muscle sheets.

A Wearable Body Condition Sensor System with Wireless Feedback Alarm Functions

“…It is worth noting that the laser texturing on PDMS at the higher power density can directly promote the formation of graphite (Figure S10, Supporting Information) and silicon carbide to form flexible semiconductor/elastomer composites or for high‐quality PDMS patterning. [ 40–42 ]…”

Laser-induced graphene for bioelectronics and soft actuators

“…As illustrated in Fig. 1(f), nitrogen-doped cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC) is produced on the PDMS surface using a CO2 IR laser under a nitrogenrich atmosphere [41]. A thin layer of spongy graphite is simultaneously formed to bridge the PDMS matrix and SiC, which is confirmed by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images and XRD spectrum (Fig.…”

“…The fabricated functional materials demonstrate relatively low electrical conductivities. Most recently, laser-assisted SiC fabrications on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were also demonstrated [40,41]. As illustrated in Fig.…”

Smart contact lens and transparent heat patch for remote monitoring and therapy of chronic ocular surface inflammation using mobiles

“…Wearable electronic devices with deformable structures that can monitor biomedical information of the human body wirelessly have been extensively explored over the past decade as a key for nextgeneration electronics (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11). They aim to realize a personal health care system by measuring biomarkers in various biological interfaces, including skin (1,2), ocular surfaces (12)(13)(14)(15)(16), and mouths (17).…”