Soft Science Expert Interview Series - Dr. Alina Y. Rwei
On June 26, 2025, the Editorial Office of Soft Science conducted an online interview with Dr. Alina Y. Rwei from Delft University of Technology, Netherlands, about her latest research in bioelectronics and smart materials. Her team focuses on integrating smart materials with bioelectronics to develop advanced biosensors and drug delivery systems for improved medical diagnostics and personalized treatments.
Dr. Rwei outlined her lab's main research directions, including single-molecule analysis techniques and drug delivery innovations. She highlighted their recently developed single-molecule detection technology and explained how it could enhance the sensitivity and specificity of medical diagnostic biosensors.
She also discussed progress in combining smart materials with bioelectronic devices, envisioning future real-time, adaptive therapeutic feedback systems capable of responding to patient-specific signals - a significant step toward personalized medicine.
As an outstanding reviewer for Soft Science, Dr. Rwei offered advice for early-career researchers, emphasizing clear communication, accurate data reporting, and effective visual presentation in manuscripts.
Finally, she shared her hobbies and daily routines, illustrating how she maintains a balanced work-life approach while managing demanding research.
Watch the full interview with Dr. Alina Y. Rwei:
Interview Questions:
Q1. Could you briefly share the main research directions your team is currently pursuing? Are there any recent developments that you find particularly noteworthy or exciting?
Q2. Your recent study introduced a single-molecule assay to decode aptamer-protein binding kinetics beyond affinity. How could this technique support the development of more effective biosensors for medical diagnostics?
Q3. Your team has been actively working on integrating bioelectronics with smart materials for drug delivery. Looking ahead, how do you envision advancing this integration to enable real-time, adaptive therapeutic feedback?
Q4. As an outstanding reviewer for Soft Science, what core aspects do you prioritize when evaluating a manuscript? What suggestions would you give to early-career researchers aiming to improve their submissions?
Q5. Outside of research, what hobbies or daily routines help you unwind and recharge?
About the Interviewee:
Dr. Alina Y. Rwei
Delft University of Technology, Netherlands
Research Interests
• Light-, ultrasound-, and magnetically-triggered therapeutics for pain management and cancer treatment
• Wearable electronics for personalized, real-time diagnostics
• Nanoparticle and cellular interaction studies for targeted drug delivery
Selected Honors and Awards
• Postdoctoral Fellowship Research Training Award (TL1) from the Clinical and Translational Science Awards Program, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Editor: Mirra Du
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Ting Xu
Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office of Soft Science
