Improving the Compatibility of Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) Semiconducting Polymers for Biological Interfacing by Lysine Attachment

Abstract

Organic semiconductors are being increasingly used for a variety of biological applications, such as biochemical sensors, drug delivery, and neural interfaces. However, the poor adhesion of cells to the typically hydrophobic, neutrally charged and low surface energy of semiconducting thin films limit their use in in vitro, cell integrated bioelectronic devices. In this work, we investigate the influence of lysine side chain units incorporated in a diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) semiconducting polymer on neural cell adhesion and growth, as well as evaluate their function in electrical devices. Synthesis of such biofunctionalized polymers obviates the need of biological coating steps while changing the surface physiochemistry, promising for applications in bioelectronics.