From material science discoveries to clinical innovations: Organic bionics expert Prof. Gordon WALLACE explores the immense potential of 3D biofabrication at PAIR Distinguished Lecture

On 3 March 2026, Prof. Gordon WALLACE of University of Wollongong delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “Discoveries in Organic Bionics, 3D Biofabrication and Deployment of Solutions to Clinical Challenges” at the PolyU campus.  The event attracted over 120 in-person participants and reached an impressive online audience of nearly 16,000 across various social media platforms.

Prof. Wallace began by introducing the science of “Organic Bionics”—the use of inherently conducting polymers (ICPs), such as Polypyrrole (PPy) to create seamless interfaces between electronics and living tissue.  These materials can switch between oxidised and reduced states, altering conductivity and topology to form dynamic “biocommunication” channels.  By embedding growth factors like NT3 and applying electrical stimulation, his team has achieved striking improvements in neurite outgrowth. This technology holds profound implications for neurological therapies, where stimulating dysfunctional cells has shown promise in promoting neuronal branching.

The lecture then shifted to breakthroughs in material processing.  Prof. Wallace noted that advanced materials like graphene and carbon nanotubes are often difficult to handle using conventional methods.  His team developed processable aqueous dispersions of graphene, enabling innovative fabrication techniques like wet-spinning and 3D extrusion printing.  A highlight of this technological leap is the “Sutrode”—a graphene-based fibre electrode that combines the flexibility of a surgical suture with the electrical properties of a high-end implant.  This device has allowed researchers to uncover direct communication between the spleen and the vagus nerve, opening new doors for “electroceuticals” to treat inflammatory diseases.

A lively and vivid theme ran through the lecture was “Don’t Travel Alone”.  Prof. Wallace emphasised that successful deployment requires multidisciplinary collaboration among clinicians, engineers, and regulatory experts.  He showcased several collaborative projects stemming from such teamwork:

• Cartilage Regeneration: The “Biopen”, a handheld 3D bioprinter that allows surgeons to print stem-cell-laden scaffolds directly into knee defects during surgery.
• Islet Cell Transplantation: Coaxial 3D printing to create vascularized structures that protect transplanted islet cells, offering new hope for Type 1 diabetes treatment.
• Corneal Regeneration: Electro-compacted collagen used to fabricate biomimetic corneal stroma, addressing the global shortage of donor corneas.
• Wound Healing: Bio-inks derived from “Ulvan”, a polysaccharide extracted from Australian green seaweed, are designed to mimic the human extracellular matrix and accelerate skin repair.

In his concluding remarks, Prof. Wallace addressed the “translation reality”, noting that moving from lab to clinic involves navigating regulatory hurdles, economic considerations, and scalability challenges. He argued that the push for deployment fuels innovation, compelling researchers to engineer performance in the “fourth dimension”.  He urged young scientists to integrate social engagement and commercial credibility into their work, ensuring that research outcomes ultimately serve the community.

The presentation concluded with a lively question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. WANG Lianzhou, Member of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE) and Chair Professor of Energy Materials, during which both the in-person and online audience engaged in a thoughtful exchange with Prof. Wallace.