Shubham Yadav | Postdoctoral Fellow, ETH Zurich — Neurotechnology & Neural Interfaces

Select Research works

Advancing neural interfaces: A framework for the fabrication and characterization of freestanding micro-nanodevices (Microsystems & Nanoengineering, 2026)

M. J. I. Airaghi Leccardi*, B. X. E. Desbiolles*, Shubham Yadav, Y. Yu and Deblina Sarkar.

Abstract

Freestanding micro-nanodevices stand out as excellent candidates for the next generation of neural interfaces. Their wireless nature, coupled with their subcellular dimensions, holds the promise of enabling minimally invasive neuromodulation with high spatial resolution within three-dimensional tissues. Nevertheless, their practical implementation is hindered by technical challenges. Specifically, fabricating freestanding devices with subcellular sizes proves exceedingly difficult, and characterizing their functionality in a representative freestanding configuration presents an even greater challenge. In this work, we present a comprehensive framework for fabricating and characterizing freestanding micro-nanodevices, aimed at advancing progress in neural interfaces. We developed three distinct micro-nanofabrication methods tailored for manufacturing freestanding micro- nanodevices with varying characteristics. These methods include a very large-scale integration process for manufacturing and manipulating freestanding microdevices (2 to 200 µm) with high throughput, a cell-friendly approach utilizing only biocompatible materials and solvents for rapid microdevice production, and a protocol for fabricating and handling freestanding devices with even smaller size scale (200 nm to 3 µm). We subsequently devised an effective approach to rapidly characterize the electrical modulation capabilities of freestanding micro-nanodevices in a cell-like environment, employing artificial bilayer lipid membranes. We showcased this method by studying the variation of bilayer lipid membrane transmembrane potential in response to light when sprinkled with organic semiconductor devices. Ultimately, we established an analytical model of the characterization system to translate experimental findings made with bilayer lipid membrane into single cells. By overcoming the technical limitations hindering the fabrication, manipulation, and characterization of freestanding micro-nanodevices, we hope that our research efforts will contribute to accelerating progress in the development of next-generation neural interfaces and unlock the full potential of neuromodulation technologies in fundamental and clinical research.
A nonsurgical brain implant enabled through a cell–electronics hybrid for focal neuromodulation (Nature Biotechnology, 2025)

Shubham Yadav, Ray X. Lee, Shivam Nitin Kajale, Baju C. Joy, Monochura Saha, Preet Patel, Loey Bull, Sarah Cao, David Bono and Deblina Sarkar.

Abstract

Bioelectronic implants for brain stimulation are used to treat brain disorders but require invasive surgery. To provide a non-invasive alternative, we report non-surgical implants consisting of immune cell–bioelectronics hybrids, an approach we call Circulatronics. The devices can be delivered intravenously and traffic autonomously to regions of inflammation in brain, where they implant and affect neuromodulation, circumventing the need for surgery. To achieve suitable electronics, we designed and built subcellular-sized, wireless, photovoltaic electronic devices (SWEDs) that harvest optical energy with high power conversion efficiency. In mice, we demonstrate non-surgical implantation in inflamed brain region as an example of therapeutic target for several neural diseases, by employing monocytes as cells, covalently attaching them to the SWEDs and administering the resulting hybrids intravenously. We also demonstrate neural stimulation with 30 µm precision around the inflamed region. Thus, by fusing electronic functionality with the biological transport and targeting capabilities of living cells, this technology can form the foundation for autonomously implanting bioelectronics.

Select Media coverage: MIT News, Futurism, The Scientist
Low-Frequency sub-0.5 mm Magnetoelectric Antenna for Wireless Power Harvesting in Injectable Deep-Tissue Implants (IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, 73(10), 7134-7146, 2025)

Yubin Cai, Baju C. Joy, Benoît X. E. Desbiolles, Viktor Schell, Shubham Yadav, David C. Bono and Deblina Sarkar.

Abstract

This paper presents an ultraminiaturized magnetoelectric (ME) antenna, 200 µm in diameter, designed for wireless power harvesting in injectable deep-tissue implants. The antenna operates at the low-frequency (LF) band and leverages the ME effect to convert incident magnetic waves into electric charges through mechanical coupling between magnetostrictive and piezoelectric thin films. Kilohertz radio frequency waves offer superior tissue penetration compared to optical or acoustic waves, making this approach ideal for powering deep-tissue medical implants such as pacemakers or neuromodulators.
2D material based field effect transistors and nanoelectromechanical systems for sensing applications (iScience, 24(12), 103513, 2021)

Shubham Yadav, Shivam N. Kajale, Yubin Cai, Baju Joy and Deblina Sarkar.

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as promising candidates for sensing applications due to their unique properties. This review discusses the use of 2D materials in field-effect transistors (FETs) and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) for detecting gases, chemicals, and biomolecules. The advantages of 2D material-based sensors, including small size, low cost, and mass manufacturability, are highlighted for applications in healthcare, security, forensic industries, and environmental protection.