06.01.2026

Electrodes made from conductive plastics could support a new generation of medical sensors, without relying on hazardous chemicals. A study by Linköping and Lund universities shows that visible light alone can trigger polymerisation to form patterned electrodes on surfaces such as glass, textiles and even skin. The findings also point to potential benefits for EEG recordings and wearable sensors.

Image: The photo shows a gloved hand holding a small vial under blue light: Copyright: Thor Balkhed, Linköping University

Under blue light in the laboratory, a scientist inspects a sample vial, illustrating experimental work on light-driven material processing, including the fabrication of conductive polymers for sensors and organic electronics.

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Researchers at Linköping University and Lund University have demonstrated that visible light can be used to create electrodes from conductive plastics, avoiding hazardous chemicals typically required in polymerisation. According to Linköping University, the approach enables electrodes to be formed on multiple surfaces, opening up opportunities for organic electronics and medical sensors.

Conductive plastics, also known as conjugated polymers, combine electrical properties associated with metals and semiconductors with the flexibility of plastic materials. These polymers consist of long hydrocarbon chains built from smaller units called monomers. In conventional manufacturing, polymerisation often involves strong and sometimes toxic chemicals, which can limit scalability and hinder use in medicine.

Polymerisation triggered by visible light

The new method relies on specially designed water-soluble monomers that allow polymerisation using visible light only. As a result, the process avoids toxic chemicals, harmful UV light, and additional post-processing steps.

“I think this is something of a breakthrough. It’s another way of creating electronics that is simpler and doesn’t require any expensive equipment,” says Xenofon Strakosas, assistant professor at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics (LOE) at Linköping University.

Patterned electrodes on glass, textiles and skin

In practice, a solution containing monomers can be applied to a substrate. A laser or another light source can then be used to create electrodes in detailed patterns directly on the surface. The remaining, non-polymerised solution can be rinsed away, leaving the electrodes in place.
“It’s possible to create electrodes on different surfaces such as glass, textiles and even skin. This opens up a much wider range of applications,” says Xenofon Strakosas.

Potential applications include organic electronics circuits and wearable devices, such as sensors integrated into garments. For medical technology, one key aspect is the material’s ability to transport both electrons and ions, an important feature when interfacing with biological tissue.

“The electrical properties of the material are at the very forefront. As the material can transport both electrons and ions, it can communicate with the body in a natural way, and its gentle chemistry ensures that tissue tolerates it – a combination that is crucial for medical applications,” says Tobias Abrahamsson, researcher at LOE and lead author of the article.

Testing with EEG electrodes in mice

To evaluate practical use, the researchers photo-patterned electrodes directly onto the skin of anaesthetised mice. The results showed improved recording of low-frequency brain activity compared with traditional metal EEG electrodes.

“As the method works on many different surfaces, you can also imagine sensors built into garments. In addition, the method could be used for largescale manufacture of organic electronics circuits, without dangerous solvents,” says Tobias Abrahamsson.

COMPAMED-tradefair.com; Source: Linköping University

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