Following the launch of Research Directions: Bioelectronics by Cambridge University Press, Editor-in-Chief Samit Chakrabarty explains more about this fascinating branch of science

A translated version of a Russian university textbook on human physiology might seem an unlikely source of inspiration for a leader in the world of neuroscience – but that is exactly what set Dr. Samit Chakrabarty on his career path.

He explains: “The book had two chapters that particularly interested me – one about the heart and the other on the nervous system – and it all made sense as the authors used physics to explain how they work. Ever since then the role of electricity (or charge, in our language) in physiology of the mammalian was too interesting for me to ignore.”

Samit’s bachelor’s degree was in Zoology and Biochemistry, which allowed him to realise his dream of learning about the nervous system. He then pursued a PhD in Neurophysiology, primarily using physics to “tease out the organisation of the nervous system in mammals”, followed by a few postdoctoral stints in various labs in Europe and the Americas learning more about the nervous system.

He currently lectures at the University of Leeds, while continuing his work as a systems neurophysiologist, studying how the spinal cord’s circuits can change and adapt (plasticity) and how they communicate with different parts of the body.

He says: “But biological sciences eluded me – and think they still do – which is why I like using other disciplines to try and decipher the physiological systems instead to try and identify the governing principles. I suppose it is the abstractness of things, and the inherent complexity of the system that baffles us, is what makes it a fun challenge to pursue.”

Defining the science

In a nutshell, bioelectronics refers to the use of electricity to influence a biological event – for example, pacemakers that intervene when the heart is unable to beat of its own accord, deep brain stimulation devices, and the closed-loop systems currently being rolled out in many countries for those who suffer from diabetes.

Samit continues: “Bioelectronics is a fascinating field with a lot of potential to improve human health – especially in my field of interest: neurological dysfunctions. The role played by electric charge in the environment and our bodies is very significant and exploiting it to diagnose health of the world around or of us is what bioelectronics is all about.

“The common goal of bioelectronics research is to develop devices that are more efficient. But can we also make them biocompatible, use sustainable methods, keep them affordable, and ensure that they do not need repairs or disintegrate in the environment in which they are used. A simple case is the use of polymers to make electrodes or bioelectronic devices for smart prosthetics; the common polymers are very stable at room temperatures (20C) common in the global north – around 20C – but not for in the global south, where the majority of those needing a prosthesis are. It is these kinds of issues that need to be considered at very early stages in the research and design process.”

Maintaining a thirst for knowledge

Research Directions: Bioelectronics, which was launched by Cambridge University Press earlier this year, provides the perfect platform for further examination of this rapidly-evolving field of science, explains Samit. Its key readers and contributors will be young students and experts, engineers working across the multiple disciplines of bioelectronics, as well as policymakers and members of the public who are interested in learning more.

Samit says: “The journal’s question-led methodology is crucial because it enables us to concentrate on the aspects of bioelectronics that are most important, while also taking into account the impact of this research. It almost forces the conversation to move away from the academia to delivery of the outcomes.

“By posing generally open-ended questions, we can ensure that research is conducted on topics in a timely and pertinent manner while also taking into account factors that might have an impact on their use and implementation in both the short and long term. This strategy also ensures that our published papers are of the greatest calibre and continue to be valuable to the field for a considerable amount of time.”

The first few months as Editor in Chief have been busy, says Samit, but also “extremely rewarding”. He says: “We have taken the first steps and got our questions out there and also brought together teams of experts from across the globe to make up our executive and advisory board.”

Indeed, Samit’s pride at being appointed Editor-in-Chief, along with his ongoing and passionate thirst for knowledge, will surely propel the journal to success. He is particularly interested in learning about different cultures, foods and languages, and is always looking for new ways to learn and grow. He quips: “This might make me sound like an AI system, but I believe that it is important to stay curious and open-minded about knowledge.” Samit concludes: “It has been difficult to make many break the mould of how things are done currently. But we are starting to see a growing interest in this journal’s approach to publishing, from outside the scientific community, which is very encouraging. I believe that Research Directions: Bioelectronics has the potential to be a unique leader in this space.”