Professor Inkyu Park from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Research Institute Hyemin Kim from Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Ph.D. candidate Gul Osman from KAIST, Professor Taeksoo Kim from KAIST./Courtesy of KAIST
Professor Inkyu Park from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Research Institute Hyemin Kim from Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Ph.D. candidate Gul Osman from KAIST, Professor Taeksoo Kim from KAIST./Courtesy of KAIST

Domestic researchers developed an electronic substrate that can stretch up to 700% by mimicking the structure of tree roots. This is expected to accelerate the commercialization of stretchable electronic products such as smart resistance bands, stretchable light-emitting diode (LED) displays, and Taeyang cells.

Professor Park In-kyu and his research team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced on the 6th that they developed a 'Bioinspired Interfacial Engineered Flexible Island (BIEFI)' that overcomes existing limitations in the development of stretchable electronic products through a joint study with the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI). The research results were published online in the international journal Nature Communications on the 4th.

The research team applied the structure of primary roots and secondary roots, which are central to tree roots, to the design to distribute stress and create a strong adhesion between the two substrates through mechanical interlocking. In this structure, the primary roots effectively distribute the stress and delay the cracking of the interface. The secondary roots help strengthen the adhesion between the substrates and maintain the stability of the interface even during deformation. Based on this design, high mechanical reliability and performance of the devices can be maintained even in various deformation situations.

Through this, the research team designed a stable structure that can stretch up to 700% while withstanding over 1000 physical deformation attempts. This technology can be applied to smart resistance bands that can measure motion data in real-time, allowing for the analysis of users' exercise intensity and balance, and can also be used in various fitness activities. Additionally, stretchable LED displays and Taeyang cells based on this technology can operate reliably under various deformations such as stretching, bending, and twisting.

Professor Park In-kyu noted, 'This bioinspired design could become a new standard for next-generation electronic technology, and plans are in place to advance the technology through optimization of interface design, enhancing adhesion, and mimicking more complex root structures.'

References

Nature Communications (2025), DOI: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56502-9