Cascade-heterogated biphasic gel iontronics for electronic-to-multi-ionic signal transmission

Abstract

Currently, electronics and iontronics in abiotic-biotic systems can only use electrons and single-species ions as unitary signal carriers. Thus, a mechanism of gating transmission for multiple biosignals in such devices is needed to match and modulate complex aqueous-phase biological systems. Here we report the use of cascade-heterogated biphasic gel iontronics to achieve diverse electronic-to-multi-ionic signal transmission. The cascade-heterogated property determined the transfer free energy barriers experienced by ions and ionic hydration-dehydration states under an electric potential field, fundamentally enhancing the distinction of cross-interface transmission between different ions by several orders of magnitude. Such heterogated or chemical-heterogated iontronics with programmable features can be coupled with multi-ion cross-interface mobilities for hierarchical and selective cross-stage signal transmission. We expect that such iontronics would be ideal candidates for a variety of biotechnology applications.

Editor’s summary

Recognition and control of diverse bioionic signals, which would allow for the regulation of physiological processes in aqueous-phase biological media, remains one of the main challenges in the field of iontronics. State-of-the-art electronics and iontronics are still limited to electrons or single ions as signal carriers. Chen et al . report a heterogated biphasic gel iontronic device capable of biocompatible electronic-ionic signal processing and transmission, as demonstrated by regulating the cardiac electrical activity of bullfrog hearts. This approach is a promising step toward biocompatible signal processing and transmission in abiotic-biotic systems and has the potential to inspire interdisciplinary research at the intersection of electronics, ionics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. —Yury Suleymanov

Abstract

Gel-based iontronics offers diverse, electronic to multi-ionic signal processing compatible with biological environments.