Organic electro-scattering antenna: Wireless and multisite probing of electrical potentials with high spatial resolution

Monitoring electrical potentials with high recording site density and micrometer spatial resolution in liquid is critical in biosensing. Organic electronic materials have driven remarkable advances in the field due to their unique material properties, yet limitations in spatial resolution and recording density remain.

Here, we introduce organic electro-scattering antennas (OCEANs) for wireless, light-based probing of electrical signals with micrometer spatial resolution, potentially from thousands of sites. The technology relies on the unique dependence of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate light scattering properties to its doping level. Electro-optic characteristics of individual antennas varying in diameters and operating voltages were systematically characterized in saline solution. Signal-to-noise ratios up to 48 were achieved in response to 100 mV stimuli, with 2.5 mV detection limits and 5 μm spatial resolution. OCEANs demonstrated milliseconds time constants and exceptional long-term stability, enabling continuous recordings over 10 hours.

By offering exceptional 5μm spatial resolution and 4.106 cm-2 recording density, OCEANs unlock new readout capabilities, potentially accelerating fundamental and clinical research.