We develop novel neural microelectrodes that can be implanted in the body, to detect signals from or to electrically stimulate the brain, peripheral nerves, and the retina. The microelectrodes are fabricated using MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) technologies based on polymers or polymer/silicon hybrid structures, for improved biocompatibility. The developed microelectrodes have been investigated for long-term in-vivo use.

We develop implantable magnetic and optical neural stimulation methodologies in addition to traditional electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation has been the standard method to stimulate neural tissues but also has some disadvantages. To overcome the limitations of electrical stimulation, we explore the feasibility of implantable magnetic and optical stimulation methods in-vitro as well as in-vivo. 

We develop novel electrophysiological tools to detect bioelectric signals from zebrafish, including EEG, ECG and EMG signals. These zebrafish-specific techniques can be useful for mass screening of drug candidates as zebrafish is a very economical and efficient animal model. We currently monitor EEG signals from zebrafish after treatment of anti-epileptic drugs. 

We develop novel fabrication techniques to pattern thin-film metals or silver nanowires based on flexible and/or stretchable polymeric substrates. We develop a technique to create soft and flexible 3D structures with embedded conductive patterns in the micrometer scale. The fabricated 3D structures can be used in a wide range of biomedical applications such as neural interfaces, drug delivery systems, soft sensors and actuators, to soft robotics.

We develop novel fabrication techniques to pattern thin-film metals or silver nanowires based on flexible and/or stretchable polymeric substrates. We expand the application of these fabrication techniques for developing new flexible printed circuit boards (FPCB) and wearable/patchable bio-signal monitoring sensors towards smart health-care system in future.

We investigate the strategies to improve the longevity and stability of polymer-based implants in physiological environments. In many cases, wireless power supply is favorable for implanted devices to eliminate the use of batteries in the body. Thus, we investigate short-range, low-power wireless powering for implantable devices. Also, we investigate the interactions between implants and the body, such as artificial discs, using finite element method.