Biophotonics and
Neural Engineering

Two-dimensional materials offer unique opportunities for biophotonics and neural engineering due to their ultrathin geometry, mechanical flexibility, biocompatibility and exceptional sensitivity to local environments. These properties make them well-suited for integration with biological systems. We are particularly interested in using the unique optical and electronic properties of nanoscale materials to create novel platforms for neural recording and stimulation and neurochemical sensing, as well as other bioelectronic and optically active interfaces. We are actively seeking collaborations with neuroscientists and bioengineers to extend these technologies to a wider range of biological systems, including applications in the heart, gut, and beyond.

Recording weak bioelectrical signals optically requires high sensitivity and fast temporal resolution, so we design and continuously refine custom confocal microscope systems optimized for detecting rapid and low-amplitude biological signals — advances that also support our broader nanophotonic and optoelectronic research. In parallel, we engineer nanophotonic structures that enhance these weak optical responses, improving both signal strength and detection efficiency.

Embedding such devices into biological environments also requires integration with flexible substrates. Flexible platforms allow the mechanical properties of the device to match those of soft tissues, such as the brain, reducing stress at the interface. To address this, we are actively developing large-scale fabrication protocols for flexible 2D material–based devices that can conform to soft tissues and operate under biologically relevant conditions.

We test our devices using 2D cultures of primary hippocampal neurons, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and cardiac cells, which we culture in-house using our dedicated incubators and tissue culture facilities. These systems allow us to evaluate device performance in controlled biological environments and study how cells interact with engineered interfaces. For in vivo studies, we collaborate with partners who specialize in animal implantation and physiological testing.

Platforms for Biointegration

We develop experimental platforms that support the integration of our nanophotonic and 2D-material devices with biological samples. Our approach includes custom 3D-printed wells for cell culture, integrating microfluidic channels when needed, and assembling fabricated chips with components such as pcb boards and electrodes and creating optical access windows. These platforms allow us to position cells precisely on top of active device regions and support reliable recording and stimulation in vitro experiments. See an example of our multielectrode array platform here.

Optical Recording Systems

We build and continuously refine custom high-sensitivity confocal microscope systems to record weak and fast bio-optical signals. These setups integrate tunable laser excitation, optimized detection pathways, and electrical probe access, enabling simultaneous optical and electronic measurements on our devices. By designing our own optical platforms, we can tailor excitation conditions, reduce noise, and push detection limits beyond those of off-the-shelf systems.

Nanophotonics for Bio

We design nanophotonic structures that amplify weak optical signals at the nano-bio interface. By engineering metasurfaces and nanophotonic elements, we increase light–matter interactions and boost emission/absorption at the interface capturing biosignals. These architectures enhance the sensitivity of our biosensing platforms, enabling detection of low-amplitude neural and biochemical signals that would otherwise be buried in noise. Integrating these nanophotonic elements with our 2D-material devices and biological platforms allows us to tailor signal strength, improve spatial resolution, and access new optical regimes relevant for biophotonic measurements.

Novel Sensors

We harness nanoscale material properties to create highly sensitive biosensors, including platforms for neurochemical detection. Because 2D materials are only an atom or a few atoms thick, every atom lies at the surface, making them exceptionally responsive to changes in their local chemical environment. This extreme surface-to-volume ratio, combined with tunable electronic and optical properties, enables ultrathin devices to detect small changes in local environment. By integrating these materials into engineered device architectures, we develop sensing platforms capable of capturing biophysical activity and resolving subtle biochemical dynamics.

Flexible Interfaces

We integrate our ultrathin nanomaterial devices into flexible substrates that can conform to soft biological tissues without disrupting their natural mechanics. These flexible films are designed for placement on the surface of the brain, where they can record electrophysiological signals through standard cranial windows. This approach enables simultaneous device-based measurements and two-photon imaging, allowing us to correlate surface activity with deep-brain dynamics in a stable and minimally invasive manner.

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