PolyKinetics

Interfacing neural tissues with advanced electronics is crucial for understanding signaling, but scar tissue formation around implants impacts performance.

Current technologies rely on thin film electrodes on planar or 3D substrates, introducing complexity & limiting proximity to cells of interest.

Long-term integration requires matching electrical & viscoelastic properties between implant & tissue.We’ve recently developed a method to dynamically create substrate-free conducting materials in living cells/tissue using in situ enzyme-driven polymerization.

However, the enzyme kinetics – and thus potential for significant optimization & enhanced function – remains unexplored.PolyKinetics will focus on this unexplored area of enzyme-driven electrode formation. Work Package 1 (WP1, months 1–12) will investigate kinetics of state-of-the-art injectable electrode polymerization.

WP2 (m10–24) will expand the enzyme repertoire, exploring alternatives to current oxidase enzymes (informed by WP1).

WP3 (m18–36) will focus on rational enzyme design & production for improved functionality, based on WP2.PolyKinetics brings expertise in protein chem. and bioelectronics to optimize polymerization kinetics and expand the enzyme portfolio for electrode formation, leading to enhanced performance & functionality in bioelectronic interfaces, and facilitating translation of the advanced bioelectronics required for future neural interfaces & therapies.