Research

Working at the interface of materials science and bioengineering, the LI Lab pursues innovative design and precision manufacturing to create biointegrated materials and devices that enable precise recording, understanding, and modulation of biological systems. We are particularly interested in applying these technologies to interrogate complex nervous circuits and microbial activities.

We envision that such biointegrated technologies will reshape the connections between the synthetic and biological worlds, leading to new solutions for both Human and Planetary Health.

Work in our lab can be broadly divided into the following interconnected domains:

Neural Interfaces and Bioelectronics

References:
A tissue-like neurochemical sensor for brain and gut. Nature 606, 94-101, 2022.
Soft sensor tracks the neurochemical messengers dopamine and serotonin. Nature Research Briefing 2022.
Morphing electronics enable neuromodulation in growing tissue. Nature Biotechnology 2020.

Supported by NSF, Spartan Innovations.

Micro/Nano Robotics

References:
Micro/Nanorobots for biomedicine: delivery, surgery, sensing, and detoxification. Science Robotics 2017.
Electronic skins and machine learning for intelligent soft robots. Science Robotics 2020.
Biomimetic platelet‐camouflaged nanorobots for binding and isolation of biological threats. Adv. Mater. 2018.
Micromotor-Enabled Active Drug Delivery for In Vivo Treatment of Stomach Infection. Nature Commun. 2017.

Supported by NIH, NSF, Henry Ford Health + MSU Health Sciences.

Engineered Living Materials

Ongoing projects:
'Biomanufacturing' helps building materials go green
New 'living' wood could be an environmental superhero

Supported by DOE ARPA-E, NSF.