Soft Materials-Enabled Sensing and Stimulation for Translational Applications

Recent advancements in the development of soft materials have redefined the interface between engineered systems and biological tissues, enabling a surge in innovative approaches for both sensing and stimulation technologies. These innovations have shown significant promise in the medical sector, where precision, non-invasive methodologies, and scalability are pivotal for improving therapeutic outcomes. This presentation will focus on the integration of soft materials with silicon-based systems, with an emphasis on enhancing bioelectrical modulation and high-sensitivity sensing capabilities. One of the core technologies to be discussed is a new photoelectrochemical platform engineered to provide finely tuned modulation of biological tissues. This system is particularly promising for targeted cardiac modulation and regenerative medicine, offering precise control over cellular and tissue processes without the necessity of genetic modifications. In addition to its applications in biomodulation, I will introduce a new sensing platform that utilizes phase transitions to achieve highly sensitive detection of airborne biomarkers. This platform is designed for early-stage disease detection and diagnosis, with the capability to detect biomarkers at extremely low concentrations. Near the end of the talk, I will discuss the future directions for these emerging technologies, focusing on the scientific and technical challenges that must be addressed for successful clinical translation. These challenges include optimizing biocompatibility to ensure seamless integration with living tissues, enhancing long-term stability in complex and dynamic biological environments, and scaling the production of these platforms for widespread medical use.