New Perspectives on Semiconducting Conjugated Oligomers for Neuromodulation in Hydra vulgaris

Abstract A general overview is provided on the neuromodulatory function of thiophene‐based semiconductors discovered and characterized in the invertebrate model organism, the cnidarian Hydra vulgaris . The small freshwater polyp Hydra is an attractive animal model for neuromodulation due to its simple body anatomy and a nervous system with hundreds to thousands of neurons organized in distinct circuits, each controlling a limited set of behaviors. With the aim of characterizing the polymerization of the thiophene‐based trimers in the soft tissues of this simple model, an unexpected animal behavior is observed in addition to polymerization, and the neurons involved and the possible underlying mechanisms are identified. To date, the neuromodulatory action of these compounds in other in vivo models has not been observed. Here, the recent data on the double function showed by thiophene‐based trimers in Hydra is summarized, from the polymerization into conductive structures driven by endogenous enzymatic activities to neuromodulatory action on specific neuronal circuits. The data open intriguing research possibilities offered by this model organism in the field of organic bioelectronics for both neuromodulation and in situ production of conducting interfaces to influence biological processes and functions.