Polythiophenes in biological applications

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2014 Jan;14(1):250-72. doi: 10.1166/jnn.2014.9111.

Abstract

Polythiophene and its derivatives have shown tremendous potential for interfacing electrically conducting polymers with biological applications. These semiconducting organic polymers are relatively soft, conduct electrons and ions, have low cytotoxicity, and can undergo facile chemical modifications. In addition, the reduction in electrical impedance of electrodes coated with polythiophenes may prove to be invaluable for a stable and permanent connection between devices and biological tissues. This review article focuses on the synthesis and some key applications of polythiophenes in multidisciplinary areas at the interface with biology. These polymers have shown tremendous potential in biological applications such as diagnostics, therapy, drug delivery, imaging, implant devices and artificial organs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Biocompatible Materials / therapeutic use
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Electrodes, Implanted*
  • Nanocapsules* / chemistry
  • Nanocapsules* / therapeutic use
  • Polymers* / chemistry
  • Polymers* / therapeutic use
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Thiophenes* / chemistry
  • Thiophenes* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Nanocapsules
  • Polymers
  • Thiophenes
  • polythiophene