Ultrasoft and Highly Stretchable Electronics for Better Healthcare

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Wearable electronics with ultralow softness and high stretchability allow their seamless integration with living biological systems and deliver unique functionalities such as multimodal sensing and stimulation. For wearable and implantable applications, ideal electronic devices should be designed to match the mechanical properties of our skin/tissues and accommodate the stress/strain induced by body motions. In addition, multimodal sensing capability should be integrated on the same substrate to realize multifunctional systems. The overarching goal of this research program is to develop new types of ultrasoft and highly stretchable electronics for wearable physical/biosensing and implantable neural interfaces. Leveraging our leading expertise in stretchable sensors and electronics, we aim to explore the novel bioelectronic use of two ultrasoft and stretchable materials, double-network ionic hydrogel and bottlebrush elastomer (BBE), for developing integrated wearable devices with multimodal sensation. Specific short-term goals are: Aim 1: To design novel ionic hydrogel-based physical/biosensors for on-body measurement of mechanical strain, temperature, humidity, pH, and electrolytes. Aim 2: To develop an ionic hydrogel-based skin wound dressing capable of healing monitoring and on-demand antibiotic delivery; and to develop a hydrogel-based wearable device for rehabilitation condition monitoring. Aim 3: To develop a new strategy for synthesis of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based, ultrasoft conductive BBEs; and to fabricate a conductive BBE-based neural electrode array for in-vivo brain signal recording. My group has performed original research on hydrogel-based wearable physical sensors. We have also obtained promising results on the synthesis of ultrasoft conductive BBEs. These expertise and promising results will ensure us to successfully accomplish the proposed objectives of this application. This research program targets the key technological gaps in the area of stretchable electronics, and will produce new knowledge, original material systems, and novel wearable/implantable device technologies to further advance the field. We will demonstrate the unique properties and functionalities of these wearable and implantable devices for smart wound dressing, wearable physical/biosensing for rehabilitation, and in-vivo neural signal measurement; these efforts will lay solid foundation for practical use of these devices. The results from this research will eventually lead to innovative medical devices to improve healthcare outcomes and benefit the Canadian society. The research will also generate new intellectual properties that could be licensed to industry or translated through spin-offs, and thus contribute to the economy of Canada. The new materials and technologies will also allow my group to tackle other related open scientific problems (e.g., soft neuromorphic electronics) within and beyond the tenure of this Discovery Grant.