Smart implantable bioelectronics are playing an increasingly important role in modern medicine, particularly for addressing complex clinical issues such as epilepsy and chronic pain. The principal challenge lies in the miniaturization, adaptability, and non-invasiveness required for these devices to perform effectively and sustainably within the biological tissue environment. The disparity between the electrical and mechanical properties of electronics and biological tissues further complicates the design of implantable bioelectronics, presenting significant challenges in terms of functionality, material selection, packaging, power sourcing, and data communication.

My research aims to enhance the development and applications of bioelectronic devices through the creation of innovative material and device architectures. This is achieved by using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates material science, electrical engineering, and neuroscience. In this presentation, I will guide you through my vision and elucidate these strategies by presenting examples from my past research:

Through these examples, I intend to demonstrate that a comprehensive understanding of the abiotic/biotic interface can reveal unique features that simplify and enhance the effectiveness of implanted bioelectronic devices. Bioelectronic devices hold vast potential for a multitude of clinical applications, ranging from glucose sensing to the development of advanced brain-machine interfaces.

Dr. Zifang Zhao earned his B.S. in basic medical science with a double major in electrical engineering (2011) from Peking University. Afterward, he joined Dr. You Wan’s lab at the same university and earned his Ph.D. in neuroscience (2017). During his PhD, he investigated the electrophysiological signature of pain and developed a strong interest in responsive therapeutic devices through a research residency at Prof. Gyorgy Buzsaki’s lab at New York University. He then joined Dr. Dion Khodagholy’s lab in 2018 as a post-doctoral fellow and has several innovative projects in the field of implantable bioelectronics. He recently transitioned to Cornell University as a research associate where he is currently working on the development of a miniaturized wireless multimodal neural implant aimed at understanding complex memory functions.