Multimodal Implantable Bioelectronics

Author: Li, Jiahong

Year: 2026

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Gao, Wei

Committee Members: Zhang, Anqi; Abu-Mostafa, Yaser S.; Scherer, Axel; Gao, Wei

Option: Medical and Electrical Engineering

DOI: 10.7907/a4af-sw77

Abstract

Advances in bioelectronic technologies are transforming healthcare by enabling continuous monitoring and active modulation of physiological functions. However, conventional electronic materials are mechanically mismatched with soft biological tissues, which can lead to poor conformal contact, unstable signal acquisition, and adverse biological responses during long-term operation. This dissertation addresses these challenges through the development of multimodal bioelectronic systems that integrate soft materials, scalable fabrication strategies, and closed-loop therapeutic functionalities for next-generation health monitoring and intervention.

First, scalable fabrication strategies are developed to construct flexible and multimodal sensing platforms capable of detecting diverse physiological and environmental signals. Inkjet-printed sensor arrays incorporating nanomaterial-based electrochemical and physical sensors enable simultaneous measurement of temperature, pressure, and chemical biomarkers with high sensitivity and spatial resolution. These sensing systems can be integrated onto soft electronic skins and robotic platforms to provide real-time physicochemical perception in complex environments.

Second, conformal bioelectronic interfaces are engineered to enable stable, long-term interactions with biological tissues. By tailoring material properties and device architectures, these interfaces achieve improved mechanical compatibility with soft tissues, facilitating reliable in vivo signal acquisition and stimulation while minimizing interfacial stress and biological reactions.

Finally, closed-loop bioelectronic systems are developed that combine continuous biosensing with responsive therapeutic stimulation. Integrated platforms capable of monitoring metabolic signals and triggering neuromodulation demonstrate the potential for automated therapeutic regulation. These systems highlight the feasibility of real-time physiological monitoring coupled with intelligent intervention.

Together, the materials, device architectures, and system-level strategies presented in this dissertation establish a framework for scalable, conformal, and multifunctional bioelectronics. These technologies provide new opportunities for wearable and implantable systems capable of continuous health monitoring, autonomous therapy, and advanced human–machine interfaces.

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