Chimie médicale

Conducting Polymers in Biological Systems

Abstract

Jadwiga Sołoducho and Joanna Cabaj

Conducting polymers (CPs) were first fabricated in the 70s of XX century as a novel generation of organic materials that have both electrical and optical properties similar to those of metals and inorganic semiconductors. The fact that several tissues are responsive to electrical fields and stimuli has made CPs attractive for a number of biological and medical applications. This review provides information on desirable CP properties specific to biomedical applications and how CPs have been optimized to generate these properties. The manuscript first introduces different types of CPs, their unique properties and their synthesis. Then specific information is provided on their modification for use in applications such as biosensors, medical engineering, and also neural probes.