A polymer optoelectronic interface restores light sensitivity in blind rat retinas

TLDR: It is demonstrated that this bio-organic interface restored light sensitivity in explants of rat retinas with light-induced photoreceptor degeneration, suggesting that all-organic devices may play an important future role in sub-retinal prosthetic implants.

Abstract: Interfacing organic electronics with biological substrates offers new possibilities for biotechnology by taking advantage of the beneficial properties exhibited by organic conducting polymers. These polymers have been used for cellular interfaces in several applications, including cellular scaffolds, neural probes, biosensors and actuators for drug release. Recently, an organic photovoltaic blend has been used for neuronal stimulation via a photo-excitation process. Here, we document the use of a single-component organic film of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) to trigger neuronal firing upon illumination. Moreover, we demonstrate that this bio–organic interface restores light sensitivity in explants of rat retinas with lightinduced photoreceptor degeneration. These findings suggest that all-organic devices may play an important future role in subretinal prosthetic implants.