Implantable devices hold promise of effective treatment and monitoring of aging and non-compliant patients

Kent State researchers are working to develop new approaches for effective remote medical treatment through the application of flexible bioelectronic devices.  Implanting biocompatible electronic diagnostic and therapeutic systems in the body will provide superior monitoring of aging and non-compliant patients and more effective wound healing in both clinical and non-clinical settings.  bioFLEX represents the integration of advanced materials such as liquid crystals, biosensors, biocompatible coatings, power and communications modules into a single small flexible device that can be implanted in the body and operate on-demand to measure and transmit physiological information and to deliver therapeutics.

bioFLEX can provide diagnostic information about the patient, such as physiological vital signs and specific biomarkers that are important for diagnosing chronic disease, acute disease, and acute trauma.  They also have the potential to be therapeutic devices by storing and releasing chemical or cell therapies upon demand or upon receiving internal feedback.  

This initiative grew from Kent State’s previous basic and applied research in advanced materials, such as liquid crystals, and our experience in making devices flexible.  Based on the research and development that was part of the FlexMatters Initiative, the University is now uniquely positioned to operate in the flexible bioelectronics field and make a substantial contribution to research and the development of new technologies.   

Kent State faculty researchers have expertise in surface chemistry, surface modification, biocompatibility, implanted prosthetics, nanoscience, nanomaterials, and liquid crystals, and the university is known world-wide for its Liquid Crystal Institute (LCI) which led the development of liquid crystal technologies for displays, flexible electronics and more recently medical devices and biosensors.

To inquire about partnership opportunities, please contact:

Grant McGimpsey
Vice for Research and Sponsored Programs
(330) 672-3012
research@kent.edu