Modulation of action potentials using PEDOT:PSS conducting polymer microwires

We describe the use of PEDOT:PSS conducting polymer microwires to modulate action potentials in single cells. PEDOT:PSS conducting polymer microwires are electrochemically synthesized with diameters ranging from 860 nm to 4.5 μm and conductivities of ~30 S/cm. The length of the microwires is controlled by the spacing of the electrodes used for the electrochemical polymerization. We demonstrate the use of these microwires to control the action potentials of cardiomyocytes, showing that the cellular contractions match the frequency of the applied voltage. Membrane integrity assays confirm that the voltage delivered by the wires does not damage cells. We expect the conducting polymer microwires will be useful as minimally invasive devices to control the electrical properties of cells with high spatial precision.