Hydrogel-Based Soft Electronic Implants

This research endeavors to address the limitations associated with traditional metal-based electrodes commonly utilized in neural stimulation, electrophysiological recording, and implantable medical devices. Although these electrodes demonstrate efficacy, they exhibit high modulus and bending stiffness, resulting in mechanical mismatches with soft biological tissues, leading to inflammation and diminished biocompatibility. By designing and developing conductive hydrogel-based soft implants with combined electronic and ionic conductivity and tissue-like mechanical properties, my work ensures seamless integration, reduces immune responses, and enhances overall performance. These advancements are driving the development of next-generation bioelectronic devices, thereby improving diagnostics, therapeutic applications, and the longevity of implants.

Shape-Adaptive Devices for Dynamic Tissue Interfaces 

This research aims to overcome the limitations of traditional 2D bioelectronic devices in conforming to the dynamic, 3D surfaces of biological tissues. Existing shape-morphing solutions often rely on non-biocompatible stimuli such as heat, UV light, or chemical triggers, which can damage delicate tissues or be incompatible with physiological environments. By developing a shape-adaptive composite that responds to benign physiological stimuli, we enable seamless, non-invasive integration with soft, irregular tissues. These self-adapting electrode arrays have broad applications in neural stimulation, electrophysiological recording, and therapeutic interventions, offering a transformative approach to bioelectronics in healthcare.

Soft, Stretchable Wearable Electronics

In this research thrust, I design, fabricate, and validate soft, skin-interfaced, epidermal-like wearable bioelectronics for multimodal biosignal monitoring and transcutaneous stimulation. These conformal systems enable continuous physiological sensing and can also deliver electrical stimulation for therapeutic applications and human-machine interfacing. My work focuses on developing electrodes that maintain stable, low-impedance contact with the skin during long-term use and dynamic motion. These interfaces support high-fidelity electrocardiography, electromyography, and bioimpedance measurements.

Hydrogel-based Implantable Biochemical Sensors

This research pioneers biodegradable hydrogels as scaffolds for next-generation implantable biochemical sensors, mimicking soft tissue properties for biocompatible, degradable interfaces. These hydrogels enable real-time biomarker monitoring without surgical removal, addressing foreign body response, fibrosis, and biofouling. By enhancing the specificity, selectivity, and stability of biochemical sensors, my research advances the development of accessible solutions for disease diagnosis, personalized treatment, and effective chronic disease management. This ultimately improves healthcare outcomes across diverse populations.

Transparent Fibrillar Hydrogel as an Artificial Extracellular Matrix

Fibrillar hydrogels mimic the extracellular matrix by replicating its fibrous architecture. This provides structural support and promotes cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation-key features absent in traditional 2D cell culture. Incorporating sophisticated biochemical and mechanical cues, these hydrogels create a more physiologically relevant environment for neuronal growth and tissue reconstruction. In this research thrust, I focus on developing biocompatible, superabsorbent fibrillar hydrogels with tunable properties that enable 3D neuronal reconstruction, provide robust platforms for investigating cell physiology, and support the fabrication of tissue outside the organism. This work advances regenerative neuroscience and personalized medicine.