High-performance degradable / resorbable batteries

Eco/bio-resorbable batteries can reduce the overall battery waste in our environment, which is particularly significant given the upward trajectory of global battery consumption. Bioresorbable batteries can serve as the power supply for bioresorbable medical devices. The technology directly benefits patients by eliminating the need for device extraction surgery, reducing associated costs and infection risks.

“High Performance Dual-Electrolyte Magnesium-Iodine Batteries That Can Harmlessly Resorb in the Environment or in the Body”, Energy & Environmental Science, 2022, doi.org/10.1039/D2EE01966C. 

Minimally invasive bioelectronic devices

Minimally invasive bioelectronic devices are transforming healthcare by enabling less intrusive surgical interventions, significantly reducing infection risks, and lowering overall treatment costs. Our objective is to achieve device miniaturization through self-powered technologies and innovative control systems. This advancement will facilitate minimally invasive surgeries, enhance patient comfort, and offer substantial economic benefits by decreasing healthcare expenses.

“Millimetre-scale, bioresorbable optoelectronic systems for electrotherapy”, Nature, 640, 77–86 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08726-4

Biodegradable / Bioresorbable electrotherapeutic devices

Most current short-term electrotherapeutic devices utilize percutaneous leads and external wired power and control systems, which introduces infection risks and adds requirements for surgical extraction procedures. Developing self-powered, fully implantable, and bioresorbable electrotherapeutic devices (cardiac pacemakers, nerve stimulators, pain relief, wound healing) mitigates these disadvantages through complete dissolution in the body after a defined operating timeframe, fully eliminating the need for device extraction.

“Advances in Bioresorbable Materials and Electronics”, Chemical Reviews, 2023, doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00408.

Electrochemically driven mechanical actuators

Electrochemically driven mechanical actuators feature accurate flow control, low power consumption, low heat generation, and a large driving force, compared to alternatives, rendering them as attractive for biological and medical applications, including drug delivery, pneumatic robots, etc. The technologies on advanced materials design, including functional electrocatalysts and reversible electrode materials, will revitalize electrochemical actuators and open new opportunities for many related systems and applications.

“A wireless and battery-less implant for multimodal closed-loop neuromodulation in small animals”, Nature Biomedical Engineering, 2023, doi: 10.1038/s41551-023-01029-x.

Drug Delivery Devices

Implantable drug delivery devices serve as a valuable alternative to conventional methods like oral ingestion or needle injections. These devices allow for precise, localized medication release directly at the target site. We aim to develop fully implantable, wireless-controlled drug delivery devices to enhance healthcare options. This technology enables consistent and controlled dosing, tailored to individual patient needs, providing a more personalized approach to treatment.

“Self-powered, light-controlled bioresorbable platforms for programmed drug delivery”, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 2023, doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2217734120.

Eco-Safe Batteries

The development of eco-safe batteries is crucial for reducing environmental pollution and advancing sustainable energy practices. We are focusing on metal aqueous batteries, which are inherently safer due to the absence of organic electrolytes, thus eliminating fire risks. Our research aims to enhance these batteries by improving electrodes, electrolytes, and packaging, striving to boost both safety and performance. This approach ensures that our eco-friendly batteries contribute effectively to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

“Unveiling the Origin of Alloy-Seeded and Nondendritic Growth of Zn for Rechargeable Aqueous Zn Batteries”, ACS Energy Letters, 2021, 6, 404–412.