A Polymer Optoelectronic Interface Provides Visual Cues to a Blind Retina

Abstract

A polymer bulk heterojunction structure utilized as an active photosensitive platform to evoke neuronal activity in a blind retina. The features of the elicited action potentials correlate with the optoelectronic properties of the polymer/electrolyte interface, and resembles the natural response of the retina to light. The polymer interface can be used as an optoelectronic epiretinal interface for retinal prosthesis with no requirement for external power sources or connection cables.