Evaluation of the Biocompatibility of Poly(benzimidazobenzophenanthroline)(BBL) Polymer Films with Living Cells

Abstract The integration of organic electronic materials with biological systems to monitor, interface with, and regulate physiological processes is a key area in the field of bioelectronics. Central to this advancement is the development of cell‐chip coupling, where materials engineering plays a critical role in enhancing biointerfacing capabilities. Conductive polymers have proven particularly useful in cell interfacing applications due to their favorable biophysical and chemical properties. However, n‐type conductive polymers remain underexplored, primarily due to their limited long‐term stability. In this study, it is demonstrated that the conductive polymer poly(benzimidazobenzophenanthroline) (BBL), commonly used in organic electronic devices, can effectively support neuronal cell viability and spreading, both as a bare cell culture material and when coated with exracellular matrix proteins. This work provides a preliminary validation of BBL's potential for future integration into bioelectronic devices and in biointerfacing.