Transforming Infection Management with Organic Bioelectronic Materials and Devices

Synergies between the emerging field of organic bioelectronics and microbiology are paving the way for significant advances in biomedical research and medical technology. While in vitro models of infections form the foundation of our current understanding, they cannot replicate the complexity of biological systems. Organic bioelectronics, utilizing conjugated conducting polymers, bridge the gap between abiotic and biotic environments using ions and electrons as charge carriers. Polymer formulations can be easily tuned so that desirable electrochemical properties can be achieved and deposited for use as surface coatings, hydrogels, or 3D composites to monitor or control in vitro as well as in vivo systems. In this review, we explore the role of organic bioelectronics in infection management, highlighting their potential for modeling, detection, prevention, and treatment. These technologies offer new strategies to control microbial colonization, improve infection diagnostics, and enhance therapeutic approaches while addressing challenges such as antibiotic resistance.