Development of Organic Photoelectrochemical Transistors Mimicking Brain Synapses for Potential Retinal Therapy

Researchers from the Institute of Biological Information Processing – Bioelectronics at Forschungszentrum Jülich and RWTH Aachen University have developed a novel class of organic photoelectrochemical transistors (OPECTs) that can convert light into electrical signals and imitate synaptic behavior of the brain. This advancement in neuromorphic electronics enables materials to learn and adapt similarly to neural synapses, with properties chemically tunable to enhance light sensitivity or signal stability. These flexible, low-power devices use a biocompatible plastic material called PEDOT:PSS, modified with light-sensitive molecules, making the technology suitable for interfacing with biological tissues such as nerve cells and eye tissues. Potential applications include visual prostheses for treating retinal diseases like age-related visual disorders, advanced brain-machine interfaces, and highly sensitive optical sensors. Before clinical use, the devices undergo comprehensive in vitro testing to confirm compatibility with living tissue and performance at body temperature. Published in Advanced Science, this research represents a significant step toward integrating bioelectronics with living systems for medical innovation.