Electronic Medicine

Bioresorbable material-based electronic implants allow for wireless delivery of electrical stimulation directly to the tissue. For example, proper 'dosing' of such stimulation to the site of damaged nerve throughout the course of a healing process yields significant improvements in the regenerative rate and final functional outcomes (Nature Communications, 2020). If the device interfaces with the cardiac muscle, it can control the cardiac rate and rhythm during surgical recovery periods (Nature Biotechnology, 2021). After this operational period, the device naturally resorbs and disappears without a trace, without the need for surgical extraction. Recently, we have developed a closed-loop system that combines a time-synchronized, wireless network of electronic medicine with skin-interfaced devices (Science, 2022). These results are the first set of example of a bioresorbable 'electronic medicine' with capabilities that could complement those of traditional pharmaceutical approaches.

Implantable Energy Harvesters

Energy harvesting from ambient vibrations has enormous potential for small-power applications such as wireless sensors, wearable electronics, and bio-medical implants. Unlike conventional ceramic nanomaterials, polymer-based nanomaterials for mechanical energy harvesting application pose significant challenges in terms of fabrication and their performances (Advanced Energy Materials, 2021). In order to address this grand challenge, we have proposed physical and chemical synthesis approaches to fabricate high-performance polymeric functional nanostructures (Science Advances, 2020; EcoMat, 2020; Energy & Environmental Science, 2017). Our research also involves understanding structure-property and functionality relationships in piezoelectric and ferroelectric polymers (Chemical Communications, 2018). We are incorporating these nanomaterials into the design and fabrication of body-implantable energy harvesters with the aim of developing self-powered medical devices.