Advisor: Professor Sahika Inal

Abstract:
Organic bioelectronics develops electronic devices that interface living systems through organic electronic materials. These devices detect diverse pathologies and regulate the physiology and processes of individual cells, tissues, and organs. One popular bioelectronic device is the organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) which has been used in applications ranging from biosensors to neuromorphic computing. OECTs can be operated in aqueous electrolytes and use organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs) in their channel (and sometimes as gate electrode coating) that can transport electronic and ionic charges, making them ideal for bridging biological systems and silicon-based electronic devices. Electron-transporting (n-type) OMIEC materials have received particular attention because high-performance n-type OECTs can be used to build inverters, sensors, and complementary amplifiers. However, electron transport in an aqueous and ambient environment under the application of electrical fields is a complex phenomenon that requires in situ investigation techniques. Understanding how films operate in such media can allow to construct novel sensors. This presentation will focus on the influence of oxygen and light to realize a glucose sensor and a photodetector, respectively.

Bio:
Victor Druet is a PhD candidate in the Organic Bioelectronics group at KAUST. He received his MSc and BSc degrees in chemistry and physics from the Graduate School of Chemistry, Biology, and Physics of Bordeaux in France in 2018, with a major in nano and micro technology. His research focuses on the development of biosensors relying on n-type organic semi- conductors and understanding their operation mechanisms.