Flexible Bioelectronics (BioFlex)
Objective: To develop a flexible bioelectronics (BioFlex) toolkit of sensors, actuators, microfluidics, electronics and power source on flexible, conformal and/or stretchable substrates for wearable, implantable or ingestible applications.
Approach: We have developed several innovative BioFlex platforms on paper and fabric substrates. We prefer paper or fabric since they are abundant, naturally renewable, low cost, biocompatible and biodegradable. They are suitable for ambient cleanroom-free processing such as screen-printing or inkjet printing.
1. Paper-based platforms: As part of our research effort on paper diagnostics for the developing world, we made one of a kind 3D origami paper-analytical device for multiplexed electrochemical sensing for measurement of biomarkers (e.g. pH, dopamine, glucose) in biological fluids. We were also the first to demonstrate nanowire growth on paper substrate to realize high surface area electrodes. We used such electrodes to implement a first of its kind self-powered paper-battery that harvests stomach acid as electrolyte for ingestible electronics.
2. Smart wound dressing: We leveraged our cleanroom free processing to implement electrochemical sensors on flexible substrates (paper, PET, polyimid, parylene) for the detection of oxygen, pH and inflammation in the wound. Apart from sensing, we have also implemented wireless electronic dose-controlled drug delivery platform for delivery of antibiotics and growth factors into the wound. We combined both the sensing and delivery into a small sub 3mm thick flexible bandage. This was the first demonstration of closed loop sense-and-treat flexible smart bandage in the literature.
3. Smart threads: Recently, we invented a new platform for BioFlex using smart textile threads, where sensors, electronics, actuators and microfluidics are all implemented on thread-based substrates using reel-to-reel coating process. Smart threads provide ultimate in form and flexibility compared to other flexible substrates. We have used these thread-based platforms for smart bandages, smart surgical sutures and for dose-controlled drug delivery applications. We have also developed flexible thread based platforms for monitoring sweat electrolytes in the form of sweat sensing patch. Using strain sensing threads, we have also demonstrated human-machine interface platforms.
Sample Publications:
Approach: We have developed several innovative BioFlex platforms on paper and fabric substrates. We prefer paper or fabric since they are abundant, naturally renewable, low cost, biocompatible and biodegradable. They are suitable for ambient cleanroom-free processing such as screen-printing or inkjet printing.
1. Paper-based platforms: As part of our research effort on paper diagnostics for the developing world, we made one of a kind 3D origami paper-analytical device for multiplexed electrochemical sensing for measurement of biomarkers (e.g. pH, dopamine, glucose) in biological fluids. We were also the first to demonstrate nanowire growth on paper substrate to realize high surface area electrodes. We used such electrodes to implement a first of its kind self-powered paper-battery that harvests stomach acid as electrolyte for ingestible electronics.
2. Smart wound dressing: We leveraged our cleanroom free processing to implement electrochemical sensors on flexible substrates (paper, PET, polyimid, parylene) for the detection of oxygen, pH and inflammation in the wound. Apart from sensing, we have also implemented wireless electronic dose-controlled drug delivery platform for delivery of antibiotics and growth factors into the wound. We combined both the sensing and delivery into a small sub 3mm thick flexible bandage. This was the first demonstration of closed loop sense-and-treat flexible smart bandage in the literature.
3. Smart threads: Recently, we invented a new platform for BioFlex using smart textile threads, where sensors, electronics, actuators and microfluidics are all implemented on thread-based substrates using reel-to-reel coating process. Smart threads provide ultimate in form and flexibility compared to other flexible substrates. We have used these thread-based platforms for smart bandages, smart surgical sutures and for dose-controlled drug delivery applications. We have also developed flexible thread based platforms for monitoring sweat electrolytes in the form of sweat sensing patch. Using strain sensing threads, we have also demonstrated human-machine interface platforms.
Sample Publications:
- Smart Bandage for Monitoring and Treatment of Chronic Wounds, Small, 14(33), p.1703509, 2018
- A textile dressing for temporal and dosage controlled drug delivery, Advanced Functional Materials, 27(41), p.1702399, 2017
- A toolkit of thread-based microfluidics, sensors, and electronics for 3D tissue embedding for medical diagnostics. Nature Microsystems & Nanoengineering 2, 16039, 2016
- A high-density nanowire electrode on paper for biomedical applications. RSC Advances, 5(12), 8680-8687, 2015.
- A three-dimensional electrochemical paper-based analytical device for low-cost diagnostics. Analyst, 143(5), 1059-1064, 2018.