Next-Generation Biomedical and Neural Interfaces Using Multifunctional Thermally Drawn Fibers with Soft Materials

Understanding and controlling the dynamics of biological or neural systems requires developing technologies that can record the signals used by cells or neurons and control bio-systems. However, current engineering technologies for this purpose have limitations in many factors, such as the lack of cell-specific stimulation for precise control, severe invasiveness and bio-incompatibility that are difficult to apply to actual medical treatment. Therefore, developing a new micro-interface system that is biocompatible while fully exerting multi-functionality and can precisely manipulate and monitor cell and nerve activity is a major demand in the current biomedical and brain engineering fields. In this presentation, I would like to introduce various strategies of our laboratory to solve these problems: (1) First, I will introduce a flexible and stretchable fiber-based probe for interfacing with biological and neural systems. Through this technology, I intend to predict the appearance of future biomedical devices in various fields such as ultra-long-term brain-machine interface. (2) Second, I will introduce tissue regeneration support technology using biocompatible materials and fibers, and introduce an engineering approach for tissue engineering. (3) Lastly, I will introduce various wearable and biomedical applications using the soft materials and new manufacturing processes. The technologies to be introduced in this presentation will not only contribute to human health and well-being by enabling natural interfacing between biological/neural circuits and external machines/computers, but are also expected to contribute to the development of a future with hyper-connectivity.