Next-generation Fiber-based Biomedical, Neural, and Robotic Interfaces

mpi-is 24 January 2023 - 24 January 2023 2R04 Werner Köster lecture hall

24 January 2023 • 11:00 - 12:00

Seongjun Park (Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST)

To investigate and control the biological/neural system, it is essential to develop the techniques and devices capable of recording and modulating cellular signals as well as freely moving inside the body. However, current interfaces are limited in many factors such as mechanical invasiveness, non-adaptability (flexibility/stretchability), less-functionality, and limited form factors. Naturally, there is a huge need for new systems allowing for precise manipulation and monitoring of cellular and neural activities with high adaptability and minimal invasiveness. Application of fiber-based interfaces fabricated by novel manufacturing skill, thermal drawing process (TDP) can be a solution to address these issues. This preform-to-fiber thermal drawing enables the broad range of functions achievable in multimaterial fibers that include sensors of optical, thermal, chemical, acoustic, and mechanical signals to 3D-from micro actuator and robot. Notably, the multifunctional fibers can be produced from polymers with moduli lower than that of metals and glasses, and with tunable cross-sectional geometry and dimensions on the micrometer scale, which suggests their use as minimally invasive interfaces to biological systems. In this talk, I will introduce various examples of fiber-based interfaces for biomedical and neural applications: (1) Flexible and stretchable fiber-based neural probes; (2) Fiber-type scaffold to help the tissue regeneration; (3) Fiber-based artificial muscle; (4) Multifunctional fiber-based robotic system. These technologies enabling a natural interfacing between biological/neural circuits and external Machines/computers contributes not only human health and welfare but also develop the future with hyper-connectivity.

Speaker Biography:

	Seongjun Park (PI of Biomedical and Neural Interface Laboratory (www.bnilab.com))
	Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST
	More Information

Dr. Seongjun Park is an assistant professor of the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). He received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Seoul National University (SNU) in 2013, master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2015, and doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT in 2018. He completed his postdoctoral training in Materials Science and Engineering MIT in 2019. His research interests include the development of multifunctional fiber or nanomaterials-based biomedical and neural interfaces, and he published many related papers in prestigious journals such as Nature Electronics, Nature Neuroscience, Nature Communications, Science Advances, and Advanced Materials. He is a recipient of MRS Gold Award, Regeneron Prize, and Helen Carr Peake Research Prize.

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