Breakthrough in Bioelectronics: Scientists Develop Living Bioelectronics That Can Heal and Monitor Skin
Introduction to Living Bioelectronics: A New Era of Health Technology
In a groundbreaking advancement, researchers have introduced “living bioelectronics,” a fusion of living cells, gel, and electronics designed to seamlessly integrate with living tissue. This innovative technology has shown remarkable potential in preliminary tests, offering a promising solution for monitoring and healing skin conditions like psoriasis without irritation.
The challenge of integrating electronics with the human body is fascinating.
For years, scientists have struggled to combine rigid, metallic electronics with soft, flexible bodies. Even though pacemakers have revolutionised medical care, they can irritate the skin and are bulky. In the Bozhi Tian lab, we study how living cells interact with synthetic materials to address these challenges.
Living Bioelectronics Development: A Decade in the Making
The latest innovation from Tian’s lab is the result of over a decade of research. This new technology, dubbed “living bioelectronics,” integrates a third component of traditional bioelectronics: living cells. The team’s approach builds on previous work, including the development of a tiny, light-controlled pacemaker and strong yet flexible materials for potential bone implants.
How Living Bioelectronics Work: Combining Sensors, Bacteria, and Gel
The living bioelectronics device consists of three primary components:
- Electronic Sensors: A thin, flexible circuit equipped with sensors that monitor various skin parameters, such as temperature and humidity.
- Hydrogel Layer: Tapioca starch and gelatine combine to create a gel that mimics the softness and flexibility of human tissue, creating a non-irritating interface between the electronics and the skin.
- Living bacteria: The inclusion of S. epidermidis, a naturally occurring skin microbe known for its anti-inflammatory properties, plays a crucial role in the device’s therapeutic function.
When applied to the skin, this device not only monitors skin conditions but also actively reduces inflammation through the bacteria’s secretion of beneficial compounds.
Successful testing in mice: promising results for psoriasis treatment
This technology showed significant improvement in psoriasis-like symptoms in mice, marking an important step forward. They believe the platform, titled ABLE (Active Biointegrated Living Electronics), can maintain its effectiveness for up to six months. Additionally, its freeze-drying capability allows for easy storage and rehydration of the device when needed.
Expanding Applications: Beyond Skin Healing
While the study’s primary focus was on treating psoriasis, the potential applications of living bioelectronics are vast. This technology could be adapted for cardiological and neural stimulations. The device could produce insulin for diabetic patients or communicate with neurons for neurological treatments.
The Road Ahead: From Research to Real-World Applications
Cell-synthetic material interactions, as well as the chemistry and physics of hydrogels, have paved the way for this groundbreaking technology.
Universities Chicago, Rutgers, and Columbia University have joined together to develop the technology with the Polsky Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. In the future, living bioelectronics may offer a more integrated and less invasive solution to medical issues.
Conclusion: A New Frontier in Medical Technology
The development of living bioelectronics represents a significant leap forward in medical technology. Living cells combined with advanced electronics can monitor and treat various health conditions. As research progresses and the technology becomes more commercially available, living bioelectronics may become key to personalised medicine.
