Disruptions in neural networks are central to many neurological and systemic disorders, underscoring the need for technologies that enable continuous monitoring and personalized therapy. My research focuses on the development of soft, implantable bioelectronic systems that seamlessly interface with neural tissue using ultra-thin, flexible organic materials. I pioneered the first fully flexible, stand-alone neural recording device composed entirely of biocompatible components, enabling high-resolution neural recording and real-time detection of epileptic activity in vivo. The system operates wirelessly through an ion-based communication approach, eliminating the need for implanted batteries or external cables. This platform can be extended beyond the brain to peripheral organs, supporting studies of the gut–brain axis and enabling new bioelectronic therapeutic strategies. By integrating organic electronics, materials science, and neuroengineering, this work aims to create multifunctional systems capable of monitoring and modulating neural activity across the body. |
Claudia Cea is an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering at Yale University, where she leads the Brain–Body Bioelectronics Lab. Her research focuses on developing soft, flexible bioelectronic devices that interface with the nervous system and peripheral organs to monitor and modulate physiological activity. Dr. Cea received her PhD in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University, where she developed soft neural interface technologies for monitoring brain activity associated with neurological disorders such as epilepsy. She then completed her postdoctoral training at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she expanded this work to study communication between the brain and peripheral organs. During this time, she developed flexible bioelectronic probes to monitor neural activity from organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, enabling new approaches to investigate brain–body interactions and explore future bioelectronic therapeutic strategies. Her research has contributed to the development of the first fully flexible implantable bioelectronic systems composed entirely of soft, biocompatible components for sensing, signal processing, and wireless operation. She was recognized as one of the MIT Technology Review 35 Innovators Under 35 globally for her contributions to bioelectronics and neural interface technologies. |
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