We are developing novel approaches to engineer stretchable bio-electronic systems based on the integration of semiconductor circuits and transducers on ultra-compliant substrates with a special emphasis on biomechanical matching of cell to device interfaces.  Those circuits can be designed to ideally fit a peripheral nerve in vivo or to cover patches of skin.  The applications of such a technology are vast: they include functional repair of damaged or diseased tissues, novel therapeutic platforms, and on- or off-body communication systems.  The latter may further set revolutions in fields such as handheld electronic devices, robotics, health monitoring, or the arts and entertainment.

Fabricating stretchable bio-electronic circuits presents the challenge of processing and combining stiff and brittle device materials with highly compliant substrates.  Electro-mechanical integrity must be preserved during circuit manufacture and over the lifespan of the stretchable electronic device.  Besides meeting the usual electrical requirements, the stretchable electronic devices must also comply with biomechanical constraints, and guarantee biocompatibility and bio-stability of the interfaces.

S.P. Lacour, et al., POlyimide micro-channel arrays for peripheral nerve regenerative implants, Sensors and Actuators A, 2008, accepted for publication.

Y. Sun, et al., Assessment of biocompatibility of photosensitive polyimide for implantable medical device use, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research: Part A, 2008, accepted for publication.

J.J. FitzGerald, et al., Microchannels as axonal amplifiers, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Devices, 2008, vol. 55, no. 3, 1136-46.  

Gratz, M., et al., Flexible ferroelectret field-effect transistor for large-area sensor skins and microphones, Applied Physics Letters, Aug. 2006, vol. 89, p. 073501-1-073501-3.