Release: UChicago scientists invent “living bioelectronics” that can sense and heal skin

For years, Prof. Bozhi Tian's lab has been learning how to integrate the world of electronics-rigid, metallic, bulky-with the world of the body-soft, flexible, delicate.

In their latest work, they have created a prototype for what they call "living bioelectronics": a combination of living cells, gel, and electronics that can integrate with living tissue.

The patches are made of sensors, bacterial cells, and a gel made from starch and gelatin. Tests in mice found that the devices could continuously monitor and improve psoriasis-like symptoms, without irritating skin.

"This is a bridge from traditional bioelectronics, which incorporates living cells as part of the therapy," said Jiuyun Shi, the co-first author of the paper and a former PhD student in Tian's lab (now with Stanford University).

"We're very excited because it's been a decade and a half in the making," said Tian.

The researchers hope the principles can also be applied to other parts of the body, such as cardiological or neural stimulation. The study is published May 30 in Science.