Bioelectronics Materials and Devices

Eric Glowacki's research transforms electricity into a precision surgical tool

For a long time, it was a dogma in medicine that electric current is safe as long as the positive and negative charges are balanced. However, Glowacki's team discovered that even when this balance is achieved, chemical reactions occur that produce reactive forms of oxygen, particularly hydrogen peroxide. This can damage cells. Instead of being alarmed by this phenomenon, the scientists decided to exploit it. They optimized the electrodes so that they could generate hydrogen peroxide in a targeted manner. The result is the Faraday scalpel—a method that destroys specific nerve cells without damaging blood vessels or surrounding structures. This approach is particularly important for patients with epilepsy, where it is necessary to remove the cluster of neurons that cause seizures. Current procedures often involve "burning" part of the brain, which carries the risk of permanent consequences. The Faraday scalpel allows for a more gentle, selective intervention and thus a significantly higher quality of life for patients. However, its potential extends beyond the field of neurology. Cancer cells are much more sensitive to reactive oxygen species than healthy cells. Glowacki's team is therefore testing how to target tumor tissue—for example, in glioblastoma, one of the most malignant brain tumors. Thanks to collaboration with clinical and industrial partners, this technology is moving ever closer to practical application.