Laser-Induced Graphitic Materials: Towards a Sustainable Electroanalysis platform
We use laser scribing to directly transform a wide range of non-conductive materials—including synthetic polymers (e.g., polyimide) and sustainable biomaterials (e.g., lignin and cellulose)—into micro- and nanostructured graphitic materials (Figure 1). This process enables fabricating diverse electrical components such as resistors, capacitors, and antennas, as well as electrodes for chemical and biosensing applications [Ref. Biosensors and Bioelectronics 218 (2022): 114742; Communications Materials 5.1 (2024): 28.]. This approach eliminates the need for externally deposited conductive coatings, allowing seamless integration of electronic functionality into a variety of substrates, expanding the potential for flexible, wearable, and disposable electronics.
Papertronics, leveraging both the fluidic properties of paper and the electronic functionalities endowed by laser scribing processing, represents a transformative approach to sustainable electroanalysis. Our research in this field explores:
(1) controlled tuning of cellulose's electrical properties, enabling its transformation into conductors, semiconductors, and dielectrics.
(2) arbitrary microfluidic patterning with tailored wettability for precise fluid manipulation [Ref. Doi: 10.26434/chemrxiv-2024-6pclv].
(3) seamless integration of multiple electronic components into an "all-in-one" platform (Figure 2), incorporating signal transduction, and wireless communication.
The realization of fully integrated papertronics pushes the boundaries of sustainable, paper-based electronics, offering versatile applications in biosensing, diagnostics, and environmental monitoring.
Smart Bandages: Advancing Wound Care
Another key area of our research involves "Smart Bandages," illustrated in Figure 3. These advanced bandages incorporate 1) multiple sensors to provide real-time assessment of wound conditions; 2) drug delivery capabilities as targeted therapeutic responses. By continuously monitoring wound healing, smart bandages can reduce the need for painful dressing changes, particularly in chronic wounds. Both the sensing and drug-release mechanisms rely on the unique properties of specially selected conductive polymers [Ref. Communications Materials 5.1 (2024): 28]. Beyond this, we aim to achieve electroactive dressing based on advanced functional conducting polymers for wound theranostics via electrical stimulation and closed-loop drug delivery.
Monitoring Drinking Water Safety
We are also engaged in developing sensor technology for drinking water monitoring. Our previous research focused on detecting chemical markers that indicate the presence of pathogenic microorganisms [Ref. Svenskt Vatten Utveckling Rapport 2018-15 (2018)]. Currently, we are investigating the feasibility of deploying a sensor network to monitor an entire city's drinking water distribution system. More recently, our research has expanded towards direct detection methods, combining selective preconcentration with optical detection techniques to identify pathogens such as E. coli.Through these projects, we aim to push the boundaries of chemical and biosensing technology and contribute to sustainable and impactful solutions for both industry and society.
