The researchers demonstrated that chitosan, a naturally generated, biodegradable biopolymer recovered from seafood waste such as Red Claw shrimp, Rock lobster, and squid, could be combined with a high-performance conducting polymer film to build a new class of wearable electronic transistors.
Biomedical Chitosan, a Sunshine Coast-based industry partner, provided the medical-grade polymer samples.
The study aims to create wearable biocompatible biosensors that might provide real-time health monitoring without endangering environmental sustainability, comfort, or safety.
According to lead researcher Professor Prashant Sonar, the study is a major step toward developing the next generation of wearable biomedical devices using a sustainable electronic approach.
We have successfully shown that a film made from chitosan, a biopolymer derived from seafood waste, when coated with a conducting polymer, can act as the foundation for flexible transistors.
Prashant Sonar, Study Lead Researcher and Professor, Queensland University of Technology
Sonar added, “Not only do these devices work electrically, they are biocompatible, meaning they can safely interact with human cells, and they are mechanically strong enough to withstand bending and movement. That makes them ideal for future wearable health monitors.”
Since chitosan is non-toxic and biodegradable, it is already widely employed in biomedical applications.
In conjunction with the University of South Australia, the researchers used vapor phase polymerization (VPP) to encapsulate chitosan with a thin PEDOT:Tosylate layer, a material recognized for its excellent conductivity.
The ultimate product was a flexible, skin-friendly electronic film that performed well even after being flexed hundreds of times.
The study’s first author, QUT PhD researcher Chattarika Khamhanglit, stated that the devices demonstrated outstanding mechanical resilience and longevity.
Our prototype retained up to 97% of its electrical performance after repeated bending tests. This gives us confidence these materials could be used in real-world applications such as health sensors that move with the body without losing accuracy.
Chattarika Khamhanglit, Study First Author and PhD Researcher, Queensland University of Technology
QUT led the study, but it also included key collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, where researchers contributed expertise in organic transistors with active PEDOT:Tos coated devices whose conductance varies via electrolyte gating, which is required for biological sensing.
The QUT Centre for Biomedical Technologies and Central Analytical Research Facility also collaborated on the study.
Chattarika Khamhanglit, Vithya Sahar Sethu Madhavan, Joshua McDonald, and Professor Prashant Sonar from the School of Chemistry and Physics; Antonia RuJia Sun, Associate Professor Indira Prasadam, Professor YuanTong Gu from the School of Mechanical, Medical, and Process Engineering; and Dr Yanan Xu from the QUT Central Analytical Research Facility (CARF) are among the QUT researchers involved in the study.
According to Professor Sonar, biocompatible transistors might be the foundation for wearable biosensors that monitor vital signs and detect disease biomarkers.
Professor Sonar added, “Imagine a lightweight patch that can comfortably adhere to the skin and provide continuous, accurate health information to doctors or patients. This work shows that such devices can be made from safe, sustainable materials sourced from nature.”
The next stage of the study will involve incorporating the chitosan-based devices into biosensing platforms for specialized health applications, such as noninvasive monitoring and point-of-care diagnostics.
Journal Reference:
Khamhanglit, C. et al. (2025) PEDOT:Tosylate on Biocompatible Chitosan Film by Vapor Phase Polymerization: Promising Technology toward Biocompatible and Wearable Organic Electrochemical Transistor. Small Structures. doi.org/10.1002/sstr.202400642