EPFL BioE Talks SERIES "High-Resolution Neuroelectronic Interfaces Enabled by Nanoscale Soft Conductors"
Event details
| Date | 02.11.2020 |
| Hour | 16:00 › 16:30 |
| Speaker | Prof. Flavia Vitale, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (USA) |
| Location | Online |
| Category | Conferences - Seminars |
WEEKLY EPFL BIOE TALKS SERIES
(note that this talk is number one of a double-feature seminar - see details of the second talk here)
Abstract:
Neuroelectronic technologies are enabling paradigm-shifting approaches to treating neurological disorders, restoring and repairing lost functions, and modulating neural circuitry to control mood and behavior. Conventional neuroelectronic interfaces rely on metals and silicon, which are expensive to source and process, and are intrinsically inadequate to address the mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties of neural tissues. Thus, the realization and successful clinical translation of safe, biocompatible, and long-term stable neuroelectronic interfaces require significant innovations in materials and fabrication strategies. Nanostructured carbon materials are uniquely positioned to address these challenges, as they combine remarkable electronic and electrochemical properties, with intrinsically high mass-specific surface area and mechanical flexibility. Furthermore, they can be easily integrated within scalable solution-based processing, thus allowing easy modulation of their electronic, mechanical, and optical properties.
In this talk, I will discuss how nanoscale soft conductors can be engineered into high-resolution, minimally invasive neuroelectronic interfaces designed to seamlessly map and control the activity of neural circuits at multiple scales. Specifically, I will describe the fundamental electrochemical properties of 2D transition metal carbides (a.k.a. MXenes) for recording and stimulation characterized via experimental and modeling analysis, and how these translate into significant impedance and noise reduction when MXenes are integrated into cellular-scale devices. Then, I will present ad hoc, scalable, rapid manufacturing processes designed to translate the exceptional material properties at the molecular scale into high-resolution, low impedance neuroelectronic interfaces that are also compatible with clinical neuroimaging modalities, such a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT). Finally, to illustrate the potential of MXene-based neuroelectronics, I will present different examples of applications in both implantable and wearable devices.
Bio:
Dr. Flavia Vitale is an Assistant Professor of Neurology, Bioengineering, and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also a core faculty member in the Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, the Brain Science, Translation, Innovation, and Modulation Center at Penn and of the Center of Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. Her research interests focus on bioelectronic materials and devices for the study, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological and neuromuscular disorders.
Zoom link (with registration) for attending remotely: https://go.epfl.ch/EPFLBioETalks
IMPORTANT NOTICE: due to restrictions resulting from the ongoing Covid-19 situation, this seminar can be followed via Zoom web-streaming only, following prior one-time registration through the link above.
(note that this talk is number one of a double-feature seminar - see details of the second talk here)
Abstract:
Neuroelectronic technologies are enabling paradigm-shifting approaches to treating neurological disorders, restoring and repairing lost functions, and modulating neural circuitry to control mood and behavior. Conventional neuroelectronic interfaces rely on metals and silicon, which are expensive to source and process, and are intrinsically inadequate to address the mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties of neural tissues. Thus, the realization and successful clinical translation of safe, biocompatible, and long-term stable neuroelectronic interfaces require significant innovations in materials and fabrication strategies. Nanostructured carbon materials are uniquely positioned to address these challenges, as they combine remarkable electronic and electrochemical properties, with intrinsically high mass-specific surface area and mechanical flexibility. Furthermore, they can be easily integrated within scalable solution-based processing, thus allowing easy modulation of their electronic, mechanical, and optical properties.
In this talk, I will discuss how nanoscale soft conductors can be engineered into high-resolution, minimally invasive neuroelectronic interfaces designed to seamlessly map and control the activity of neural circuits at multiple scales. Specifically, I will describe the fundamental electrochemical properties of 2D transition metal carbides (a.k.a. MXenes) for recording and stimulation characterized via experimental and modeling analysis, and how these translate into significant impedance and noise reduction when MXenes are integrated into cellular-scale devices. Then, I will present ad hoc, scalable, rapid manufacturing processes designed to translate the exceptional material properties at the molecular scale into high-resolution, low impedance neuroelectronic interfaces that are also compatible with clinical neuroimaging modalities, such a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT). Finally, to illustrate the potential of MXene-based neuroelectronics, I will present different examples of applications in both implantable and wearable devices.
Bio:
Dr. Flavia Vitale is an Assistant Professor of Neurology, Bioengineering, and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also a core faculty member in the Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, the Brain Science, Translation, Innovation, and Modulation Center at Penn and of the Center of Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. Her research interests focus on bioelectronic materials and devices for the study, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological and neuromuscular disorders.
Zoom link (with registration) for attending remotely: https://go.epfl.ch/EPFLBioETalks
IMPORTANT NOTICE: due to restrictions resulting from the ongoing Covid-19 situation, this seminar can be followed via Zoom web-streaming only, following prior one-time registration through the link above.
Practical information
- Informed public
- Registration required
Organizer
Contact
- Institute of Bioengineering (IBI), Dietrich REINHARD