Our goal is to develop invasive neurotechnologies that are effectively invisible to the body. This involves innovating new designs, materials, and advanced microfabrication techniques to meet the mechanical, topological, electrochemical, and biological requirements of neural applications. We utilize polymeric materials and native cellular assemblies as foundational components, alongside cell-culture, thin-film, and MEMS-based technologies, to fabricate novel devices. We are advancing stealth implantable neurotechnologies by exploring both traditional inert and biohybrid neural interfaces.

Our comprehensive evaluation process involves in vitro, ex vivo, cadaveric, and functional in vivo testing to assess device performance in both acute and chronic settings. Our focus on long-term stability includes understanding biological integration and foreign body reactions, as well as evaluating the mechanical and electrochemical performance of the devices upon implantation.

We explore and advance methods for monitoring and modulating neuronal activity using diverse physical modalities, including electrical, optical, and chemical approaches. To achieve multimodality, we integrate technologies and expertise in collaboration with different research groups at IBI-3.

We tailor designs to develop application-specific neuroelectronic interfaces. We are currently working on the development of visual prostheses for vision restoration, which includes the design, fabrication, characterization, and testing of intraretinal, intracortical, and cortical implants. Additionally, we are working on multichannel peripheral nerve probes aimed at advancing microneurography to better understand and treat neuropathic pain. Together with medical doctors, neuroscientists, and engineers we investigate new implantation techniques and carry out functional testing of the devices in a pre-clinical phase.