A photo-thermal-electrical converter based on carbon nanotubes for bioelectronic applications

目前，人们对创建可以植入人体并附着于人体的生物电子设备有很大的兴趣，用于感测和控制器官和内部系统，以延长和改善生活质量。在本研究中，我们证明了1）分散良好的单壁CNT/聚（二甲基硅氧烷）（SWNT-PDMS）复合材料，并且用CNT聚合物复合材料制造的新型光热电（PTE）转换器可以有效地将CNT的光热能量转换成电; 2）PTE转换器可以提供电功率用于刺激生理组织中的电活动;和3）PTE转换器在大鼠体内是有效的。这些结果将PTE转换器的概念扩展到新的领域和应用中。

There is currently substantial interest in creating bioelectronic devices that can be implanted in and attached to humans for sensing and control of organs and internal systems in order to prolong and improve the quality of life. In the present study , we demonstrate that 1) a well-dispersed single-walled CNT/poly(dimethylsiloxane) (SWNT-PDMS) composite can be formed, and a novel photo-thermal-electrical (PTE) converter fabricated with a CNT polymer composite can effectively convert the photothermal energy of CNTs into electricity; 2) the PTE converter can supply electrical power for stimulation of electrical activity in physiological tissues; and 3) the PTE converter was effective in the body of a rat. These results dramatically extend the concept of a PTE converter into new areas and applications.