MSE Seminar – Dr. Chuanzhen ZHAO (19 March 2026)
19 Mar 2026 (Thu) | 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
MSE Seminar – Dr. Chuanzhen ZHAO (19 March 2026)
| Title: | Tissue-Like Soft Bioelectronics for Continuous Biomarker Monitoring |
| Speaker: | Dr. Chuanzhen ZHAO Postdoctoral Fellow Department of Chemical Engineering Stanford University |
| Date: | 19 March 2026 (Thursday) |
| Time: | 3:00 pm |
| Venue: | Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, 6/F, Mong Man Wai Building |
| Abstract: | Molecular biomarkers in body fluids provide valuable insights into disease states and physiological conditions, with continuous tracking enabling early detection and personalized treatments. However, challenges such as the Debye length limiting detection sensitivity and mechanical mismatches between rigid devices and soft tissue hinder current technologies. Dr. Zhao will present tissue-like soft bioelectronic devices that address these challenges by advancing molecular recognition, polymer chemistry, and circuit design. Aptamer-functionalized field-effect transistor biosensors were engineered to overcome the Debye length limitation via interfacial charge modulation, achieving highly sensitive and selective biomarker detection. To ensure mechanical biocompatibility, Dr. Zhao designed intrinsically stretchable semiconducting polymers with tissue-like properties and biological functionality. Additionally, Dr. Zhao developed integrated stretchable polymer-based circuits for on-chip signal conditioning and amplification, enabling robust biosignal acquisition in physiological environments. These platforms allow real-time neurochemical monitoring for mental health applications, including implantable neural probes for continuous serotonin monitoring to study anxiety and depression. Dr. Zhao also developed skin-like wearable sensors for tracking cortisol in sweat and interstitial fluid. Together, these technologies lay the foundation for designing soft bioelectronic interfaces that enable continuous, non-invasive molecular monitoring within the body. |
| Enquiries: | mse@cityu.edu.hk |