Research
Soft Brain-Machine Interfaces
Our research interests focus on 'Soft brain-machine interfaces' that interact with brain and nerves using soft, biocompatible, and functional materials such as (semi-)conducting polymers, hydrogels and elastomers, along with devices including high-density neural probes, neuromorphic prosthetics, and wearable/implantable biomedical applications. These soft brain-machine interfaces can integrate seamlessly with the brain and nerves, enhancing communication between electronic devices and the nervous system. This allows for more natural and efficient monitoring of brain and nervous system activities, while also facilitating the development of bioelectronic prosthetic limbs that outperform conventional devices.
Through this, we aim to improve our understanding of the brain and nervous system and develop a next-generation soft, low-power neuromorphic prosthetic system that helps rehabilitate patients with neurological diseases.
Soft neural probes
The rigidity of metallic multielectrode arrays often impedes long-term, stable neural signal recording due to mechanical mismatches, high interfacial impedance, and immune responses, compromising their biocompatibility.
Our research will study the development of high-density, low-impedance, biocompatible soft neural probes. These probes are designed for capturing neural signals with enhanced spatiotemporal resolution and signal-to-noise ratios from the brain and nerves, while also reducing immune responses caused by mechanical mismatches and cytotoxicity at the electrode-tissue interface. This approach will facilitate stable, chronic recording and modulation of neural activities, significantly advancing our understanding of the brain and nervous system.
Neuromorphic prosthetics
Neurological diseases significantly impact both individuals and society. Traditional electronic devices used for rehabilitating paralyzed limbs are often impractical for daily use due to their size, weight, and high power consumption. In contrast, our brain and nervous system process large amounts of information and respond appropriately using minimal power.
Inspired by these efficiencies, we are developing soft electronic devices that mimic the functions of the brain and nervous system. Our focus on neuromorphic engineering, which mimics the information processing capabilities of the brain and the sensory/motor functions of the peripheral nervous system, has great potential not only in brain-inspired computing but also in biocompatible neuroprosthetics. Our approach will provide a low-power, soft neuromorphic rehabilitation device that is practical and efficient for daily use in patients with neural disorders.
Soft biomedical devices
Wearable devices capable of real-time monitoring of an individual's physical and mental health have proliferated. While band or watch-type wearables monitor various health information, their accuracy is limited due to unstable skin contact during daily activity.
Our research focuses on developing soft wearable/implantable electronic devices that integrate seamlessly with the body and accommodate natural movements and deformations, enabling accurate health data collection. Using soft electronic materials and advanced manufacturing processes, we study new biomedical devices capable of measuring various digital biomarkers in brain engineering and cognitive neuroscience research.