CBE Colloquia - Liquid Metal Neural Interfaces as Adaptive Bioelectronic Systems

The development of autonomous materials is transforming the way we design systems that interact with living organisms. In particular, bioelectronic platforms that can conform, adapt, and respond to dynamic biological environments are essential for next-generation neurotechnologies.
In this talk, we introduce an adaptive neural interface technology that uses liquid metal-based electronics directly printed onto biological tissues. By employing gallium-based liquid metal alloys with excellent biocompatibility, low mechanical modulus, and high electrical conductivity, we demonstrate the in situ fabrication of conformal electronic circuits on soft, irregular surfaces such as the brain and spinal cord. This method eliminates the need for pre-formed devices or surgical suturing, enabling immediate integration with moving and deformable tissues. We present recent studies where neural interfaces were printed directly onto the exposed skull to achieve stable cortical recordings and stimulation, and onto the spinal cord surface to perform neuromodulation. These printed interfaces remain functional under physiological motion and provide precise neural interfacing without invasive implantation procedures. This approach offers a new direction in adaptive bioelectronics by allowing electronic materials to be deployed on demand and configured to match the geometry and function of living tissues. The ability to print functional circuits directly onto biological surfaces paves the way for programmable, responsive, and autonomous neural interfaces. We will also discuss ongoing challenges and opportunities, including integration with sensing and feedback systems, long-term biostability, and closed-loop control for intelligent neuromodulation.