“Bioelectronics for tissue and organ interfaces: from tissue-like electronics to genetically-targeted biosynthetic electrodes”

Abstract: Rapid progress in materials science and electronics has blurred the distinction between man-made electronic devices and biological systems. Seamless integration of electronic devices with living systems could contribute substantially to basic biology as well as to clinical diagnostics and therapeutics through tissue-electronics interfaces. In this presentation, I will first introduce a syringeinjectable tissue-like mesh electronics for merging nanoelectronic arrays and circuits with the brain in three-dimension (3D). The injectable mesh electronics has micrometerfeature size and effective bending stiffness values similar to neural tissues. These unprecedented features lead to the gliosis-free and 3D interpenetrated electronics-neuron network, enabling the chronically stable neuron activity recording at single-neuron resolution in behaving animals. Second, I will describe a fully stretchable electronic sensor array through the development of multiple chemically-orthogonal and intrinsically stretchable polymeric electronic materials. The fully stretchable sensor array has modulus similar to biological tissues, allowing an intimate mechanical coupling with heart for a stable and anatomically precise electrophysiological recording. Its application for high-throughput and high-density mapping of 3D cardiac arrhythmogenic activities on the porcine model with a chronic atrial fibrillation will be discussed. Third, I will present a fundamentally new approach for a direct formation of electrical connections with genetically-targeted cells. This approach is accomplished through the convergence of genome engineering, in situ enzymatic reaction and polymer chemistry. These genetically-targeted electrodes are inherently assembled to the subcellular-specific region of neurons throughout the intact functional neural tissue and in stem cell-derived human brain organoids. Importantly, this system also enables the cellular-resolution tuning of local neuronal activity and bridging of brain regions to external devices for the targeted recording. Finally, I will briefly discuss the prospects for future advances in bioelectronics to overcome challenges in neuroscience and cardiology through the development of “cyborg animals” with single-cell resolution and cell-type specificity. 

Biomedical Engineering (BME) seminars

For inquiries contact Jamie Skubal.

GETTING TO CAMPUS

Please know that there have been changes to parking on the Danforth Campus due to the east end construction.

Metrolink or biking to the Danforth campus are the easiest options.

If you choose to drive, the closest parking is in Millbrook garage off of Forest Park Parkway and Throop Drive.  It will take approx. 15 minutes to walk to our building.