# CAREER: Soft Solutions for Spinal Cord Injury: Advancing with Injectable and Stretchable Hydrogel Electrodes

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Pennsylvania State Univ University Park (PA) · $660,356

## Abstract

Spinal cord injuries affect millions of individuals worldwide, causing paralysis and dramatically reducing their quality of life. These injuries lead to significant long-term healthcare costs due to the challenges in restoring motor function. Electrical stimulation of the spinal cord has shown promise in restoring motor function. However, current approaches often rely on rigid electrodes that cause additional tissue damage and require invasive spinal cord surgery, limiting their effectiveness and increasing infection risks. To overcome these limitations, this project aims to develop novel soft electrodes that mimic the properties of soft tissue. These electrodes will be designed to be minimally invasive, enabling precise activation of spinal cord neurons without the need for conventional spinal cord surgery. Educational components of the project include establishment of a Neural Engineering Club for college students and development of hands-on activities and outreach programs for K-12 students that are designed to inspire enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among students from diverse backgrounds. These efforts aim to broaden societal impact and foster the next generation of innovators in neural engineering, ultimately advancing research in this interdisciplinary field.

The research goal of this CAREER award is to develop injectable, stretchable hydrogel-based electrodes that offer superior biocompatibility, flexibility, and functional i

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2440750
- **Awardee organization:** Pennsylvania State Univ University Park (PA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NPM2J7MSCF61
- **PI:** Tao Zhou
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev
- **Estimated total:** $660,356
- **Funds obligated:** $531,543
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2030

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2440750

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2440750, CAREER: Soft Solutions for Spinal Cord Injury: Advancing with Injectable and Stretchable Hydrogel Electrodes. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-09 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2440750. Licensed CC0.

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