Description:

Non-Invasive Neural Interfaces Enabled by Nanoparticle Design and Wearable Electronics

ABSTRACT:

Recent developments in optogenetics have demonstrated that modulating the targeted neurons and projections in the brain is capable of rescuing behavioral deficits associated with depression, autism, anxiety, and epilepsy. However, due to limited tissue penetration of visible light, invasive craniotomy and intracranial implantation of optical fibers are generally required. In this presentation, I will discuss nanoparticle-based approaches to address the challenge, particularly the application of organic nanoparticles to be activated by brain-penetrant focused ultrasound for non-invasive genetically-targeted neuromodulation.In addition, current implanted electronics could be used for long-term neuromodulation and neurorecording but requires invasive surgery for implantations. Non-invasive neuromodulation and neurorecording methods, on the other hand, could not be applied over time. In the second part of the presentation. I will discuss the strategies to fabricate wearable ultrasound stimulation and electrical recording electronics to achieve non-invasive and  long-term neuromodulation and neurorecording, including the fabrication of miniaturized electronics and the development of long-term stable hydrogels for these applications.

BIO:

Dr. Huiliang (Evan) Wang is an Assistant Professor in the biomedical engineering department at University of Texas at Austin, where he leads his research team in the design of functional nanomaterials, electronic devices, and genetic technology in neural interface engineering. In particular, his lab focuses on the development of new tools to modulate and record neural activity using minimally invasive methods. He did his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering with Prof Zhenan Bao at Stanford University and his postdoctoral research with Prof Karl Deisseroth at Stanford Bioengineering department. He has won several awards including NSF CAREER Award, NIH R35 Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA), Young Investigator Award from Controlled Release Society Gene Delivery Group and American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Biomedical Engineering Teaching Award.