Our research is translational

We use a push-pull model, where advances in science and engineering follow a translational pipeline to the clinic, while clinical needs inform science and technology development. Our work covers neuroengineering, biohybrid implants, targeted drug delivery, and wearable systems.

Neuroengineering

We explore the application of organic electronic materials in neural interfacing, aiming to understand how the brain works and to develop new tools for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. Among our achievements are (i) the development of ultra-conformable microelectrode arrays for recording corticograms, recently used in the clinic to record single neuron activity from the surface of the brain of epileptic patients, and (ii) the first use of a transistor in recording brain activity, resulting in record-high signal-to-noise ratio. We are currently developing high density arrays for large-scale recordings as well as strategies to improve the electronics/tissue interface in order to extend the functional life of implants.

Biohybrid Implants

We explore the synergy between bioelectronic medicine and stem cell therapies by means of biohybrid implants that co-deliver bioelectronic devices with cell transplants. The cell transplant repairs the damage caused by disease or injury while camouflaging the electronics behind living tissue. The bioelectronic device monitors and guides the repair process, then controls a system that has been repaired. Biohybrid implants pave the way for treating injury and neurodegeneration, currently untreatable by bioelectronic medicine or regenerative medicine approaches alone.

Targeted Drug Delivery

Targeted drug delivery can focus treatment on the region of the body affected by a given pathology thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment while reducing side effects inherent in systemic treatments. Towards that end, we are leveraging the ion conductivity of polymers to develop implantable devices that can deliver drugs precisely when and where they are needed. We showed this to be a promising strategy for managing epileptic seizures. We are currently testing the efficacy of this approach for treating pathologies such as brain cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

Wearable Systems

We develop wearable systems that combine advanced electrode materials and intelligent data analysis to monitor the body’s electrical activity through comfortable, conformable interfaces with the skin. By recording across multiple sites, we aim to move beyond individual signals towards practical, non-invasive tools for health monitoring, rehabilitation and human-machine interaction.