Facile chemical synthesis of DNA-doped PEDOT

Herein we report the template polymerization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) using a biomacromolecule, DNA, as the polyelectrolyte. The resultant bio-composite material formed a stable, aqueous-dispersible system. Higher conductivities than that of conventionally prepared PEDOT-PSS without conductivity enhancing additives were observed (ca. 1.0 S/cm versus ca. 0.15 S/cm). The material was redox active in the dispersed state and in the solid state. The DNA double helix was found to undergo changes in conformation upon redox switching, resulting in controllable variance of its ability to polarize light. This non-acidic template is non-corrosive and is therefore an ideal candidate for use in device applications. The system described is potentially bioactive and biocompatible, as well, which would further extend its applicability.