Research

To facilitate versatile in vivo diagnostic and therapeutic applications, we have developed and synthesized multifunctional injectable hydrogels that integrate effectively with tissue surfaces. These hydrogels are engineered to demonstrate key properties, including adhesiveness, stretchability, and bioresorbability, ensuring minimal invasiveness and compatibility with dynamic biological environments. By leveraging spontaneous gelation mechanisms, the hydrogel must establishes a stable and conformal attachment with target tissues immediately upon injection. This structure not only adheres robustly to tissue surfaces while accommodating the mechanical dynamics of organs, but also preserves its functional integrity without external stimuli or additives. 

To enable seamless biointegration and multifunctional use in biomedical applications, our approach employs a nanocomposite-based bioplatform, specifically engineered to combine flexibility, conductivity, and responsiveness within a minimally invasive structure. This platform leverages a biphasic microfiber design, consisting of a liquid metal core encased in a nanocomposite shell. The liquid metal core allows for adaptive phase transitions, enabling temporary rigidity for implantation, followed by a recovery of softness upon exposure to body temperature. This transition ensures conformal contact with tissues, reducing potential injury during insertion. 

Our approach to integrating soft materials into advanced biotechnological applications focuses on developing multifunctional platforms with broad applicability. These soft materials, particularly hydrogels and elastomers, are structured to achieve high flexibility, durability, and responsiveness, making them ideal for optoelectronic and catalytic systems. For optoelectronics, these materials allow efficient light absorption and enhanced signal transduction, adapting to the dynamic contours of soft tissue and enabling seamless bioelectronic interfacing.