On April 7, 2022, Jang Dong-pyo, a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Hanyang University(HYU), was introduced on the front cover of “Advanced Materials,” the world's top international academic journal on materials engineering and chemistry. Professor Jang developed an electronic medical system that is inserted deep into the brain to measure neurochemical information, which then melts through a joint study with KUKIST research team and Professor Huanyu Cheng of Pennsylvania State University. The paper is called “HeteroIntegration of Silicon Nanomembranes with 2D Materials for Bioresorbable, Wireless Neurochemical System”. It is expected to play an important role in understanding and treating brain diseases such as Parkinson's disease.
Q. What is your main reason for studying neuro-engineering?
A. I prefer to study less-known areas. Within such fields, one can play an important role and have a great sense of accomplishment through developing something one by one. There are still many things that we don't understand and need in the brain compared to other organs of the body. I personally appreciate the novelty of this field. Also, I started studying neuro-engineering with the thought that it would be useful to others.
Q. Can you explain the scientific principle of the ʻNeurochemical Systemʼ you invented?
A. Important information measured by the brain includes electrical signals and neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are internal chemicals that regulate communication between neurons that make up the brain and consequently regulate emotions and behavior. This is why the system focused on measuring these neurotransmitters. The main principle is using MoS2, a thin cornea with a two-dimensional structure, to stimulate its characteristics that generate signals when exposed to neurotransmitters such as dopamine. The device of this system is also very thin, so it has a bioresorbable characteristic that is naturally broken down after being inserted into the brain and measuring.
Q. Patients with brain disease have different levels of neurotransmitters from normal brains. How does this system help them?
A. The major point of helping them is related to the second characteristic of the MoS2 device. The monitoring system inserted into the brain is naturally melted and absorbed by the metabolic process in the body, so there is no need for additional surgery to remove it. Th
erefore, it is expected to be used effectively for monitoring and rehabilitation during the recovery period after brain surgery.
Q. Could you give some advice to the students at Hanyang University who are interested in neuroscience?
A. Neuroscience is significant from the viewpoint of industrial, research, and social parts. In particular, the field of the brain is worthy in that it is divided into basic brain science, brain engineering, and clinical treatment, which means it requires cooperation with various people. For this reason, it is an attractive field where related companies and industries are likely to grow gigantically.