(4af) Toward Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract Therapeutic Biomedical Devices; From Bio-Interface Engineering to Ingestible Electronics

Understanding the bio-interface is crucial for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic biomedical devices, as it encompasses interactions ranging from molecular and cellular levels to the whole-body level. My Ph.D. research has progressively expanded from fundamental bio-interface engineering to the development of bioelectronics. Initially, I designed and fabricated bio-inspired topographies that mimic the nano- and microscale cellular interface to enhance the differentiation of multipotent stem cells (e.g., cardiomyocytes, neural stem cells) through topographic stimulations. This work led to the discovery of methods to modulate cellular behaviors, including differentiation and maturation, via unique cellular mechanosensing at the cell-multiscale structure interface. As a continuation of this research, I am developing an in-situ stem cell monitoring platform for the real-time, non-invasive detection of biomarkers released from stem cells. This involves synthesizing near-infrared fluorescent nanosensors (SWNT/ssDNA) and integrating them with multiscale structures, with the aim of characterizing stem cell behavior in a highly sensitive and selective manner. Building on this foundation at the molecular and cellular bio-interface level, my research has expanded into developing an ingestible device for gastrointestinal tract monitoring. This capsule enables continuous, real-time, and non-invasive monitoring of multiple biomarkers via wireless communication. Our miniaturized device has demonstrated sensitive, selective, and stable performance in both complex in-vivo and in-vitro intestinal environments by packaging multimodal electrochemical sensors conjugated with various detection probes and miniaturized electronic systems.

Based on these experiences, I will continue my research aimed at developing therapeutic devices for the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that enable precise disease diagnosis through non-invasive biomarker monitoring and in-situ treatment. I am enthusiastic about developing ingestible electronic capsules for real-time monitoring of intestinal gases for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This device, integrated with a chemoresistive gas sensor array, continuously and non-invasively detects multiple gases (e.g., H₂S, NO, and H₂), facilitating localized inflammation monitoring through intestinal gas profiling. Additionally, I am interested in developing multifunctional intestinal interactive electronics capable of monitoring intestinal motility and stimulating peristalsis. This platform will be designed to interact effectively with the intestinal mucus and epithelial cell layer, considering its complex bio-interface, by utilizing surface-engineered functional polymers to enhance signal transduction accuracy. Furthermore, this device will promote intestinal peristalsis through wireless and autonomous stimulation, aiding in the treatment of postoperative ileus.