Cellular interfaces with hydrogen-bonded organic semiconductor hierarchical nanocrystals

0479256 - BC 2018 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Sytnyk, M. - Jakešová, M. - Litviňuková, M. - Mashkov, O. - Kriegner, D. - Stangl, J. - Nebesářová, Jana - Fecher, F. W. - Schoefberger, W. - Sariciftci, N. S. - Schindl, R. - Heiss, W. - Glowacki, E. D.
Cellular interfaces with hydrogen-bonded organic semiconductor hierarchical nanocrystals.
Nature Communications. Roč. 8, JUL 21 (2017), č. článku 91. E-ISSN 2041-1723
R&D Projects: GA MŠMT(CZ) LM2015062
Institutional support: RVO:60077344
Keywords : field-effect transistor * cells * stimulation * light * nanoscale * neurons * bioelectronics * penetration * prospects * graphene
OECD category: 2.11 Other engineering and technologies
Impact factor: 12.353, year: 2017

Successful formation of electronic interfaces between living cells and semiconductors hinges on being able to obtain an extremely close and high surface-area contact, which preserves both cell viability and semiconductor performance. To accomplish this, we introduce organic semiconductor assemblies consisting of a hierarchical arrangement of nanocrystals. These are synthesised via a colloidal chemical route that transforms the nontoxic commercial pigment quinacridone into various biomimetic three-dimensional arrangements of nanocrystals. Through a tuning of parameters such as precursor concentration, ligands and additives, we obtain complex size and shape control at room temperature. We elaborate hedgehog-shaped crystals comprising nanoscale needles or daggers that form intimate interfaces with the cell membrane, minimising the cleft with single cells without apparent detriment to viability. Excitation of such interfaces with light leads to effective cellular photostimulation. We find reversible light-induced conductance changes in ion-selective or temperature-gated channels.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0275251