We are working on the next generation of implantable neuromodulation devices for preclinical models. We have developed a chronically implantable neruostimulator for small animals which is less than 1.5 cc. The device can be used to stimulate the vagus nerve, other peripheral nerve targets, or the brain using electrical or optogenetic stimulation methods. This system enables the study of long-term effects of stimulation and the discovery of new therapies for Bioelectronic Medicine.

Take look at our work presented at IEEE BioCAS 2019

Closing the loop allows both responsive and adaptive stimulation therapies tailored to an individual. We are developing a closed-loop implantable device for small animals that enables monitoring of the real-time and long-term neural and physiological effects of neuromodulation to inform the delivery of targeted stimulation paradigms. The system will be able to stimulate the vagus nerve or other peripheral and central nervous system target. The system will implement wireless telemetry to allow real-time streaming of multiple channels of biopotential and physiological data.

We are developing new techniques for wirelessly powering small implantable devices. This technology is required because batteries don't scale down enough for providing long-term power for demanding miniaturized systems. The inductive wireless power technology available commercially is too restricted to allow freedom of movement. We are utilizing resonantly coupled magnetic fields to deliver power over a large volume allowing experiments where free movement is permitted.

Biology is a wet world, electronics come from a dry world. The marriage of these two domains requires careful encapsulation to protect the body and keep the electronics functioning. Standard medical devices packaging methods including metal cans and ceramic feedthroughs are prohibitively expensive and have undesirably high mass. We have developed novel polymeric encapsulation and feedthrough technologies that are light enough to be implanted in small animals.

We are developing novel neural interfaces for stimulation and recording from the central and peripheral nervous systems. We have developed both electrical and optical interfaces for peripheral nerves as small as 100µm in diameter.

We are interested in non-invasive methods to electrically stimulate the vagus nerve. We have developed a wireless over-the-ear device which we are now using to study the effects trans-auricular vagus nerve stimulation (TaVNS). We are participating in a number of clinical trials looking at the effects of TaVNS: NCT04100486, NCT04169776, NCT03592745, NCT02910973, NCT04159909