On June 9, 2018, Dr Xu Lizhi, currently a postdoctoral research fellow in Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, visited MSE at the invitation of Prof. Huang Yongan and Yin Zhouping at the State Key Lab of Digital Manufacturing Equipment & Technology. Dr. Xu gave a report entitled “Bio-Inspired Soft Materials and Devices: from Artificial Cartilage to Organ-Mounted Electronics”.
Dr. Xu pointed out that developing advanced technologies for healthcare and human-machine interfaces requires multifunctional tools that can naturally integrate with the human body. However, the rigid, static and bulky formats of the existing medical electronics limit their possibility of naturally interfacing with the biological tissues that are soft, dynamic and three-dimensional. Dr Xu presented his efforts on bio-inspired soft materials and devices that can transit various tools into bio-integrated embodiments, as exemplified by artificial cartilage, kirigami optics, and cardiac electronic membranes. He illustrated the realization of the integration of advanced electronic components and biomaterials into organ-compliant formats based on stretchable nanocomposite material and multiscale fabrication techniques generate reconfigurable 3D structures.
After the report, Dr. Xu had a discussion with all the teachers and students, and expressed his expectation to establish a continual contact with MSE.
