The National Science Foundation Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems awarded the University of Missouri System $479,716 on October 1, 2025, to develop soft bio-ionic transistors for measuring and analyzing ionic characteristics of biological cells. The project runs from October 1, 2025, through May 31, 2028, with work performed in Columbia, Missouri.
The research addresses the gap between rigid electronic devices and soft ionic biological systems by designing soft ionic transistors that use cellular ions to trigger gating mechanisms. Current understanding of ionic kinetics remains largely qualitative despite ions' critical role in cellular function and intercellular signaling. The project seeks to enable near-real-time monitoring of ionic kinetics and ion concentration gradients that indicate cellular and organ health. Outcomes are expected to impact drug discovery and testing, personalized medicine, aging studies, and therapeutic strategies including pain management and rehabilitation.
The award is funded under NSF's Engineering program (CFDA 47.041).