Micro/Nanoscale Interface with the Brain Using Light and Advanced Nanomaterials

ZOOM LINK
Meeting ID: 941 8915 2056
Passcode: 996684

The brain is the most complex organ in the human body and brain diseases are highly challenging to diagnose, monitor and treat. Nanomaterials have emerged as a unique wireless interface with the brain in the micro/nanoscale. Here I will discuss our recent efforts on developing new tools using advanced nanomaterials and photonics to provide new understanding and access to the brain. These include exciting capabilities to remotely control protein activity, study neuromodulation, and change the blood-brain barrier permeability. These new tools provide insights for the brain microenvironment, and unique opportunity to develop strategies to treat brain diseases.

About the Speaker(s)

Zhenpeng Qin
Assistant Professor, University of Texas at Dallas

Zhenpeng Qin is an assistant professor of mechanical engineering and bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas, a founding member of the Center for Advanced Pain Studies, and an adjunct faculty of surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The Qin lab focuses on developing new nanotechnologies to better understand and treat diseases in the nervous system, and developing highly sensitive and multiplexed methods for infectious disease diagnostics. Dr. Qin has received numerous awards including an NIH MIRA/R35 award for early-stage investigators for his pioneering work on the development of molecular hyperthermia for optical control of protein activity, a CDMRP Discovery Award, CPRIT Individual Research Award, Collaborative Sciences Award and Research Leaders Academy from American Heart Association (AHA), and Faculty Research Award from UT Dallas Jonsson School. His lab has received generous support from NSF, NIH, CDMRP, AHA, and CPRIT.

Contact

For more information, contact Ashley Parker at ashley.l.parker@dartmouth.edu.