Flexible Organic Field-Effect Transistors for Biomimetic Applications

Abstract

Flexible electronics offers advantages over conventional electronics on this aspect with the possibility of fabrication on unconventional and biodegradable substrates. Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) receive significant attention because of their potential use in flexible electronics, specifically for circuit and sensing applications. These devices can be used as a building block for applications in electronic skin (E-skin), health monitoring, and biomimetic applications due to flexibility or stretchability. However, during the operation, these devices are encountered with various electrical, mechanical, and thermal stimulations. Thus, for reliable operation in practical applications, OFETs must be operationally stable. In this chapter, firstly, the area of flexible electronics is introduced and the historical perspective along with various potential applications are summarized. The structure and operation of OFETs are discussed along with some crucial aspects. OFETs on various flexible substrates including plastic and paper are discussed. High performing OFET devices fabricated on unconventional substrates such as paper can pave the way toward biodegradable or green electronics. In addition, these devices have shown the potential to be used for real-time health monitoring and e-skin applications. OFETs with biodegradable gelatin dielectric had shown the possibility to be used as a breath rate analyzer. These devices will eventually be useful for low-cost self-health monitoring systems.