Figure 21.

Genetic encoding of the catalytic enzyme allows the synthesis of conductive polymers directly onto the cell membranes. (a) Genetic targeting allows modifying only a specific subset of neurons with the conductive polymer. Depending on the polymer conductivity, these materials can enhance or inhibit neuronal activity by modifying their membranes’ capacitance. Reproduced with permission from ref 229. Copyright 2020 AAAS. (b) Directed organization following SS > SH> HH. Genetically modified neurons can guide the growth of the conducting polymers. In this case, the modulus of the conducting polymers are orders of magnitude larger than that of cell membranes. This process can be homologous to biomineralization, although no inorganic materials are formed.