Literature Review on Conjugated Polymers as Light-Sensitive Materials for Photovoltaic and Light-Emitting Devices in Photonic Biomaterial Applications

Abstract

Due to their extended p-orbital delocalization, conjugated polymers absorb light in the range of visible–NIR frequencies. We attempt to exploit this property to create materials that compete with inorganic semiconductors in photovoltaic and light-emitting materials. Beyond competing for applications in photonic devices, organic conjugated compounds, polymers, and small molecules have also been extended to biomedical applications like phototherapy and biodetection. Recent research on conjugated polymers has focused on bioapplications based on the absorbed light energy conversions in electric impulses, chemical energy, heat, and light emission. In this review, we describe the working principles of those photonic devices that have been applied and researched in the field of biomaterials.