Cunjiang Yu, UIUC - "Optoelectronics On and In Tissue for Cardiac Modulation"
- Event Type
- Seminar/Symposium
- Sponsor
- NSF Expeditions - Mind in Vitro
- Location
- 2405 Siebel Center for Computer Science
- Virtual
- Join online
- Date
- Nov 21, 2025 4:00 pm
- Speaker
- Cunjiang Yu
- Contact
- Gregory Pluta
- gpluta@gmail.com
- Phone
- 217-898-9403
- Views
- 69
- Originating Calendar
- Mind in Vitro: an NSF Expedition In Computing
Optoelectronics On and In Tissue for Cardiac Modulation
Abstract:
Achieving fully untethered cardiac modulation remains a central challenge for advancing therapies against arrhythmia and other rhythm disorders. This seminar will introduce two emerging classes of bio-integrated optoelectronic systems that enable visible-light-induced cardiac stimulation without rigid implants, wires, or genetic modification. The first on-tissue platform features a tissue-like, rubbery optoelectronic stimulator constructed entirely from intrinsically stretchable semiconductors. Its soft mechanical properties allow intimate lamination onto the dynamic epicardial surface, delivering localized, wireless photostimulation synchronized with cardiac motion. The second in-tissue platform advances a bioprinted, optoelectronically active cardiac construct, in which microscale solar cells are seamlessly embedded within engineered cardiac tissue. Upon illumination, these hybrid tissues autonomously generate electrical potentials that accelerate cardiac beating both in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating a cell-instructive and self-stimulating paradigm. Together, these platforms highlight a new vision for wireless, light-driven cardiac interfaces, and redefine how we interact with the heart.Biography:
Dr. Cunjiang Yu is the Founder Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He also holds joint appointments in the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering, of Mechanical Science and Engineering, and of Bioengineering. He received his PhD from Arizona State University in Mechanical Engineering and performed postdoctoral training at UIUC Materials Science and Engineering Department. His research focuses on the fundamentals and applications of soft and bio electronics. His work has been recognized by a few awards, including multiple Young Investigator Awards from the ASME, Society of Engineering Science, American Vacuum Society and ONR, the CAREER Award from NSF, Trailblazer Award from NIH, MIT Technology Review Innovator under 35 China, etc.Part of the Illinois Computer Science Speakers Series.
Food will be provided after the seminar.If accommodation is required, please email <communications@cs.illinois.edu>. Someone from our staff will contact you to discuss your specific needs.