Research Summary
Mission: Innovating Materials, Advancing Humanity
Approach
Bioelectronic Materials for Medicine, Energy, and Sustainability
(1) We leverage our expertise in polymer physics to explore the frontiers of (i) electronic, (ii) bio-, and (iii) bioelectronic materials. Our research encompasses a diverse range of materials, including conducting polymers/hydrogel, silicon-based semiconductors, ferroelectric and piezoelectric polymers, metal nanoparticles, and their hybrid combinations. Our primary objective is to innovate in the manipulation, processing, and engineering of these materials—often pushing the boundaries of what is possible—to enable new functionalities and unprecedented properties.
(2) We are pioneering the development of innovative fabrication techniques and device architectures that push the boundaries of what is possible in flexible and stretchable electronics. For example, we invented aerosol-jet printing, high-speed sewing, and other advanced manufacturing methods to create flexible, stretchable, and bioresorbable devices tailored for a range of biomedical and environmental applications.
(3) Our current research is centered on developing bioelectronic materials for applications in Medicine, Energy, and Sustainability, with a particular focus on bio-integrated and bio-inspired technologies. This work is inherently multidisciplinary, integrating knowledge from nearly every traditional technical discipline to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Topics
Medicine
Bioresorbable material-based electronic implants enable the wireless delivery of electrical stimulation directly to tissues, offering groundbreaking therapeutic possibilities. For instance, precise 'dosing' of electrical stimulation at the site of nerve damage during the healing process significantly enhances regenerative rates and improves final functional outcomes (Nature Communications). When interfaced with cardiac muscle, these implants can regulate heart rate and rhythm during post-surgical recovery (Nature Biotechnology). After fulfilling their function, these devices naturally resorb, eliminating the need for surgical removal. Recently, we developed a closed-loop system that integrates a time-synchronized, wireless network of electronic medicine with skin-interfaced devices (Science). This represents the first example of bioresorbable 'electronic medicine,' offering capabilities that could complement or even surpass those of traditional pharmaceutical approaches.
Energy
Energy harvesting from ambient vibrations holds immense potential for powering small devices such as wireless sensors, wearable electronics, and biomedical implants. However, polymer-based nanomaterials for mechanical energy harvesting present significant challenges in terms of fabrication and performance when compared to conventional ceramic nanomaterials (Advanced Energy Materials). To address these challenges, we have pioneered physical and chemical synthesis methods to create high-performance polymeric nanostructures (Science Advances; EcoMat; Energy & Environmental Science). Our research also focuses on elucidating the structure-property-functionality relationships in piezoelectric and ferroelectric polymers (Chemical Communications). We are now incorporating these nanomaterials into the design and fabrication of body-implantable energy harvesters, with the goal of developing self-powered medical devices.
Sustainability
Driven by the need for sustainable solutions in both medicine and electronics, our research aims to develop materials and processes that minimise environmental impact while enhancing functionality. Our novel fabrication methods, such as aerosol-jet printing (Nano Energy) and polymer nanoconfinement (Science Advance), enable the production of high performance flexible and stretchable electronics, contributing to more efficient and eco-friendly manufacturing. Additionally, our work on bioresorbable materials, including polyurethane (Nature Communications) and polyanhydrides (Advanced Functional Materials), offers promising next generation materials that can degrade naturally in the environment, eliminating long-term environmental waste. Our efforts aim to further integrate sustainability into the lifecycle of electronic devices, from their creation to their disposal, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for both healthcare and the environment.
