A Bioelectronic Platform Modulates pH in Biologically Relevant Conditions

• Main Authors: Xenofon Strakosas, John Selberg, Xiaolin Zhang, Noah Christie, Peng‐Hao Hsu, Adah Almutairi, Marco Rolandi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2019-04-01
• Series: Advanced Science
• Subjects: bioelectronics; pH; protons
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.201800935

Abstract Bioelectronic devices that modulate pH can affect critical biological processes including enzymatic activity, oxidative phosphorylation, and neuronal excitability. A major challenge in controlling pH is the high buffering capacity of many biological media. To overcome this challenge, devices need to be able to store and deliver a large number of protons on demand. Here, a bioelectronic modulator that controls pH using palladium nanoparticles contacts with high surface area as a proton storage medium is developed. Reversible electronically triggered acidosis (low pH) and alkalosis (high pH) in physiologically relevant buffer conditions are achieved. As a proof of principle, this new platform is used to control the degradation and fluorescence of acid sensitive polymeric microparticles loaded with a pH sensitive fluorescent dye.