This research is part of an ongoing project titled "Development of Electroceuticals for Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury Using Biodegradable Semiconductor." Funded by the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), the project has secured an initial three-year investment of approximately $4.44 million with 40% of the budget allocated to Professor Lee’s lab. The initiative, structured as a 3+2-year program, may receive an additional two years of funding following a successful review.

These electroceuticals use biodegradable semiconductors to provide precise electrical stimulation to damaged motor pathways. Unlike conventional implants which require invasive removal procedures, these devices degrade naturally in vivo after their therapeutic function is complete. This minimizes the risk of chronic inflammation and eliminates the need for follow-up surgeries, addressing a critical challenge in neurorehabilitation.

Spinal cord injuries disrupt communication between the brain and body by severing crucial motor pathways. The Purdue research team is working on an innovative method that enhances neuroplasticity and axonal regrowth by delivering targeted electrical stimuli. Over a defined treatment period, the electroceuticals support functional recovery before safely degrading within the body.

Beyond their medical potential, these devices represent a major advancement in the field of biodegradable electronics. The research integrates semiconductor manufacturing with neuroengineering, creating a novel class of bioresorbable technology with applications beyond spinal cord injuries including treatment for other neurological disorders.

With this work, Professor Lee and his team are positioning Purdue University at the forefront of electroceutical innovation. By combining cutting-edge materials science with biomedical engineering, they aim to provide new hope to patients affected by paralysis demonstrating that the future of neurorehabilitation lies in technology that seamlessly integrates with the body and disappears when no longer needed.

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