Biomimetic multi-sensing behavior through co-operative actuation of electrochemical macromolecular motors in conducting polymers: Results from PEDOT/PVA interpenetrated films

In this study, we present a comprehensive experimental investigation and theoretical description of the sensing capabilities of the electro-chemical reactions of PEDOT/PVA interpenetrated film responding to the electrical, chemical, and thermal ambient conditions. The reaction drives reversible conformational movements or cooperative actuation of the PEDOT chains (the macromolecular electrochemical motors) mimicking biological functionalities that has been explored by few. The PEDOT/PVA hybrid film serves as a model material to simulate the cooperative actuation of sarcomeres in muscles. The consumed reaction energy under cyclic voltametric experimental conditions respond to and sense the ambient conditions: electrical (potential scan rate), chemical (electrolyte concentration) and thermal (temperature). Here, only two connecting wires are required to communicate both the command (current) and sensing signals (charge or energy) between the computer (brain) and the film (muscle). In other words, no additional sensors or connecting wires are required. Based on the reaction rate equation, a theoretical description consistent with the experimental results was developed. If these findings are translated to natural muscles and biological systems, they suggest that at any time the reaction energy in functional cells (such as the sarcomeres in muscles) could generate mechanical, chemical, thermal, and neuronal sensing signals to inform the brain during actuation. This remains an open biological question. • Electroactive PEDOT/PVA hybrid film fabricated via in situ chemical polymerization. • Film behaves as a biomimetic simultaneous sensor of the working ambient • The cooperative actuation of the macromolecular motor is explored • Cooperative actuation of PEDOT chain mimics sarcomere-like mechanisms. • Experimental results fit theoretical model of electrochemical sensing, linking reaction energy to muscle-like sensory feedback