title: Photothermal cellular stimulation in functional bio-polymer interfaces.
abstract: Hybrid interfaces between organic semiconductors and living tissues represent a new tool for in-vitro and in-vivo applications, bearing a huge potential, from basic researches to clinical applications. In particular, light sensitive conjugated polymers can be exploited as a new approach for optical modulation of cellular activity. In this work we focus on light-induced changes in the membrane potential of Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK-293) cells grown on top of a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) thin film. On top of a capacitive charging of the polymer interface, we identify and fully characterize two concomitant mechanisms, leading to membrane depolarization and hyperpolarisation, both mediated by a thermal effect. Our results can be usefully exploited in the creation of a new platform for light-controlled cell manipulation, with possible applications in neuroscience and medicine.
authors.affiliation: 1] Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy [2] Politecnico di Milano, Dip.to di Fisica, P.zza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Martino
authors.affiliation: 1] Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy [2] Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Feyen
authors.affiliation: 1] Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy [2] Politecnico di Milano, Dip.to di Matematica, P.zza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Porro
authors.affiliation: 1] Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy [2] Politecnico di Milano, Dip.to di Fisica, P.zza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Caterina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bossio
authors.affiliation: 1] Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy [2] Politecnico di Milano, Dip.to di Fisica, P.zza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zucchetti
authors.affiliation: Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
authors.forename: Diego
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ghezzi
authors.affiliation: 1] Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy [2] Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy.
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Benfenati
authors.affiliation: 1] Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy [2] Politecnico di Milano, Dip.to di Fisica, P.zza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Guglielmo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lanzani
authors.affiliation: Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Rosa
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Antognazza
mesh_terms: D001704:Biopolymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D016764:Cell Polarity / Q000528:radiation effects; D057809:HEK293 Cells; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013876:Thiophenes / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D001704:Biopolymers; D013876:Thiophenes; C507295:poly(3-hexylthiophene)