Active biointegrated living electronics for managing inflammation

Abstract

Seamless interfaces between electronic devices and biological tissues stand to revolutionize disease diagnosis and treatment. However, biological and biomechanical disparities between synthetic materials and living tissues present challenges at bioelectrical signal transduction interfaces. We introduce the active biointegrated living electronics (ABLE) platform, encompassing capabilities across the biogenic, biomechanical, and bioelectrical properties simultaneously. The living biointerface, comprising a bioelectronics layout and a Staphylococcus epidermidis-laden hydrogel composite, enables multimodal signal transduction at the microbial-mammalian nexus. The extracellular components of the living hydrogels, prepared through thermal release of naturally occurring amylose polymer chains, are viscoelastic, capable of sustaining the bacteria with high viability. Through electrophysiological recordings and wireless probing of skin electrical impedance, body temperature, and humidity, ABLE monitors microbial-driven intervention in psoriasis.