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Iontronic tactile-gustatory receptors are designed using all-polymer electrochemical transistors, such that a single device can accurately recognize various objects perceived by the human tactile and gustatory system. Additionally, by combining device design and microfabrication innovation, an unprecedented device density of 104 167 transistors cm⁻² (yield of 97%) is realized, 1 to 5 orders higher than reported values.

Abstract

Human sensory receptors enable the real world to be perceived effortlessly. Hence, massive efforts have been devoted to the development of bionic receptors capable of identifying objects. Unfortunately, most of the existing devices are limited to single sensory emulation and are established on solid-state electronic technologies, which are incompatible with the biological reactions occurring in electrolyte media. Here, an iontronic tactile-gustatory receptor using an all-polymer electrochemical transistor (AECT) is presented. The sensor is biocompatible with the operation voltage of 0.1 V, which is 1 to 2 orders lower than those of reported values. By this study, one receptor is able to accurately recognize various objects perceived by the human tactile and gustatory system without complex circuitry. Additionally, to promote its further application, flexible AECT arrays with channel length of 2 µm and density of 104 167 transistors cm⁻² (yield of 97%) are fabricated, 1 to 5 orders higher than those of related works. Finally, a flexible integrated network for electrocardiogram recording is successfully constructed. This study moves a step forward toward state-of-the-art bionic sensors.