B.I.O.N.I.C. Lab
Bio-Integrating Optoelectric Neural Interface Cybernetics Lab (PI: Takashi D.Y. Kozai)Integrating Innovation over Imagination @ University of Pittsburgh, Department of Bioengineering"Engineering Brain Healing"
We are a collaborative team of engineering scientists that are pioneering the frontier at the intersect of neurophysiology and neural interface technology
Specifically, we employ functional in vivo two-photon imaging, functional in vivo electrophysiology (primarily in visual and somatosensory cortex), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, post-mortem immunohistochemistry, intrinsic imaging, cyclic voltammetry, transgenic & AAV, silicon & carbon microelectrodes, polymer devices, electrical and optical stimulation techniques, and biological and pharmaceutical intervention strategies. (see details)
This unique research facility is focused on developing trainees to blend high-quality hypothesis-driven scientific inquiry and problem solving engineering design skills. Aside from technical training, this lab’s structure is aimed at refining individual’s critical thinking skills and project management skills and prepares next-generation leaders in Neural Engineering and fusing Science & Engineering.
Bionics is the application of biological methods and systems found in nature to the study and design of engineering systems and modern technology. Our goal is to understand molecular, cellular, and structural biology, so that we can leverage these natural tools to engineer microscale neural interface technologies, as well as develop intervention strategies for brain injury and disease.
The projects in my lab explore the three main thrusts:
1) Understanding the biology and material science of bi-directional communication (recording and stimulation) between brain and neurotechnologies, in order to guide intelligent-design (data driven) of more efficacious and longer lasting neural interfaces.
2) Elucidating the role of non-neuronal cells in neurodegeneration and neuroregeneration in brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. (Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Autism)
3) Manipulating non-neuronal cells to influence the function of neuronal network activity.
Specifically, we employ functional in vivo two-photon imaging, functional in vivo electrophysiology (primarily in visual and somatosensory cortex), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, post-mortem immunohistochemistry, intrinsic imaging, cyclic voltammetry, transgenic & AAV, silicon & carbon microelectrodes, polymer devices, electrical and optical stimulation techniques, and biological and pharmaceutical intervention strategies. (see details)
This unique research facility is focused on developing trainees to blend high-quality hypothesis-driven scientific inquiry and problem solving engineering design skills. Aside from technical training, this lab’s structure is aimed at refining individual’s critical thinking skills and project management skills and prepares next-generation leaders in Neural Engineering and fusing Science & Engineering.
Bionics is the application of biological methods and systems found in nature to the study and design of engineering systems and modern technology. Our goal is to understand molecular, cellular, and structural biology, so that we can leverage these natural tools to engineer microscale neural interface technologies, as well as develop intervention strategies for brain injury and disease.