Bioelectronic Materials Lab

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 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