Prof. Bozhi Tian’s lab has been focusing on merging the world of electronics with the world of the body to create “living bioelectronics.” They have developed patches made of sensors, living bacterial cells, and a soft gel that has been shown to improve psoriasis-like symptoms in mice. The patches are designed to continuously monitor and treat skin conditions without causing irritation. This innovative approach represents a major advancement in the field of bioelectronics.
The researchers have taken a new approach by integrating living cells with electronics, creating a device with three components: a flexible electronic circuit with sensors, an ultrasoft gel made from tapioca starch and gelatin, and living S. epidermidis bacteria. When placed on the skin, these bacteria secrete compounds that reduce inflammation, while the sensors monitor the condition of the skin. In tests with mice, the patches showed a significant reduction in symptoms of psoriasis. This new platform, named the ABLE platform, has the potential for long-term use and can be easily stored and rehydrated when needed.
The researchers believe that this technology could be used for a variety of applications beyond treating psoriasis. They envision using the patches to speed up wound healing in patients with diabetes and potentially creating devices that produce insulin or interface with neurons. The ability to integrate living cells with electronics opens up a wide range of possibilities for future medical treatments and devices. The team’s ultimate goal is to push the boundaries of what is possible in science and inspire the next generation of electronic designs.
Tian’s lab has spent years studying how living cells interact with synthetic materials, leading to innovative advancements in the field of bioelectronics. They have previously developed a light-controlled pacemaker and strong, flexible materials for bone implants. This latest research represents a significant milestone in their work, combining the healing properties of living cells with electronic sensors to create a unique treatment approach. They hope to continue refining the technology and expanding its applications to different tissues and cell types.
The collaboration with other institutions and facilities, such as Rutgers University, Columbia University, and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, demonstrates the potential for commercializing this technology and bringing it to market. The researchers are committed to further developing the ABLE platform and exploring its potential for treating a variety of medical conditions. The successful integration of electronics with living cells represents a major step forward in the field of bioelectronics and holds promise for improving healthcare and medical treatments in the future.
Overall, the development of the ABLE platform represents a major breakthrough in bioelectronics, merging the fields of electronics and living cells to create a new generation of medical devices. The ability to continuously monitor and treat skin conditions with living bacteria and electronic sensors opens up a range of possibilities for future medical treatments. By integrating principles from biology, chemistry, and materials science, Prof. Bozhi Tian’s lab has demonstrated the potential for creating innovative solutions that push the boundaries of what is possible in science. With continued research and collaboration, the ABLE platform could revolutionize the way we approach medical treatments and lead to new advancements in the field of bioelectronics.