Soft materials

Researchers at LiU are developing nanolayers that have properties similar to those of biological materials, and they are using 3D printers to produce materials for medical applications. Research into biosensors and other bioelectronics is also far advanced.

The research into soft materials bridges over several fields. 
One activity that lies in the boundary region between physics, chemistry, biology and electronics, is the development of instruments and materials for the manufacture of, for example, microbioreactors and artificial skin. 
The researchers use 3D printers that print very thin layers of soft materials (often polymers) one on top of the other, suitable for the particular application. New materials are also being developed to support the cells that form new organs. 

Conducting polymers have the ability to change their electrochemical properties, and researchers are exploiting this property to develop sensors for medical diagnosis. 3D printing also makes it possible to manufacture diagnostic instruments at low cost.

A further field in which LiU researchers are in the forefront concerns the development of nanoprobes for medical applications, such as the development of targeted contrast agents used in medical imaging. This is research that increases the likelihood of discovering diseases such as cancer at an early stage.

The research field covering bioelectronics and biosensors is extensive, and more information can be found in the descriptions of other research areas, such as organic electronics and sensors below.

Research

Jonpump av elektroniska komponenter och vätska, på plastfilm

Organic Bioelectronics

We investigate the transduction between electronic signals and ionic/molecular signals in electroactive surfaces, iontronic chemical delivery and circuitry, biosensors, mimicking neural function, next-generation medical therapy, and many other areas.

Material

Advanced Functional Materials

Laboratory for Advanced Functional Materials, AFM, contributes at the highest level to the creation of knowledge. The work in highly competitive Centers of Excellence has been evaluated as excellent to outstanding by the VR, SSF, and Vinnova.

Organic energy harvester

Organic Energy Harvesters

Our vision is to create the next generation of green, cheap, reliable energy devices for the coming revolution of internet of everything. The emphasis is to combine energy conversion and mechanical compatibility for flexible and wearable electronics.

News

Edwin Jager, IFM, along with his co-applicant Nils-Krister Persson at Swedish School of Textiles

Continued funding for textile muscles

Edwin Jager (IFM) along with his co-applicant Nils-Krister Persson (Swedish School of Textiles) recently received the exciting news of continued funding for their project "Textile muscles for augmenting garments" from the Erling-Perssons Foundation.

Tw researchers in an lab sitting at a table.

The wound dressing that can reveal infection

A nanocellulose wound dressing that can reveal early signs of infection without interfering with the healing process has been developed by researchers at Linköping University. Their study is one further step on the road to a new type of wound care.

A stretchable thermoelectric generator

Four materials scientists at LiU share SEK 80 million

Materials research is a strength of Linköping University. This is shown not least by the outcome of the European Research Council's calls, which this round resulted in four grants totalling around SEK 80 million.