With the rapid advancement of wearable devices, there is an urgent demand for new biocompatible substrate and coating materials. Recently, scientists from the Future Industries Institute (FII), University of South Australia, have developed a polymer thin‑film coating capable of conducting electricity on contact lenses, making it possible to build micro‑circuits. Researchers point out that manufacturing such conductive coated hydrogels is of great significance for future wearable electronic devices.

According to a paper recently published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, a journal of the American Chemical Society, conductive polymer PEDOT (poly(3,4‑ethylenedioxythiophene)) was deposited onto hydrated hydrogel substrates via vapor‑phase deposition and blended with biocompatible ingredients. Dehydrated hydrogel substrates received plasma pretreatment to modify their surface topography and chemical composition, facilitating adhesion of the conductive PEDOT top layer. By controlling the vapor‑phase polymerization process and composition, the PEDOT‑based coating was engineered to deliver both biocompatibility and high electrical conductivity.

Associate Professor Drew Evans from the institute described it as a “game‑changing” technology that promises safe ways for humans to connect more closely with smart devices. For instance, data from blood‑glucose meters or images can be directly displayed on contact lenses via real electronic displays, instead of being projected as required for conventional framed glasses.

So far, researchers have completed proof‑of‑concept validation and are cooperating with a world‑renowned UK‑based contact‑lens developer on this project. Evans stated that they have verified that these materials can work together. The next phase is to achieve robust interfacial adhesion. Once this goal is achieved, the team will move toward production scale‑up and develop commercial products jointly with the British partner.

This thin‑film coating can also find other applications, including all‑plastic automotive mirrors, electrochromic windows and smart windows. Such windows can be darkened by flipping a switch and restored to transparency with another tap, enabling adjustable light transmission.

Evans noted that what truly matters is that this material is not only safe but also holds broad application potential for numerous personalized health‑monitoring scenarios and can simplify life for patients with chronic diseases.

(Source: Science and Technology Daily, Chang Lijun)