Research

Here are some of the projects the lab is working on

Development of translational neural tools

Design and manufacture novel neural devices that will improve BCI detection algorithms. Devices are minimally invasive, have improved source localization, and enable multiple brain region recordings.

Novel Packaging Development

Utilizing advanced additive manufacturing and parametric design automation to print conductive and dielectric inks to enable conformal, non-cleanroom-dependent device fabrication and 2.5D/3D heterogeneous integration packaging challenges, ensuring biocompatibility, customization, manufacturability, and reliability.

Electrode Optimization

We utilize biophysical modeling to enhance design optimization and clinical translation. We employ accurate device simulations and patient-specific computational models to predict performance, improve surgical planning with refined device placement, and maximize electrophysiological recording quality.

Improved seizure localization

Our devices are used in a rodent seizure model. We can track changes in the spatial profiles of local field potentials over time. In conjunction with MRI scans, we are developing new methods to highlight brain subregions relevant to observed seizures and improve their localization.

Compliant Neural Device Modeling

Bend_Testing_Setup_v1_2025-Apr-03_09-01-

We are developing high-density, stretchable metal traces embedded in elastomer substrates to enhance neural implants. Our finite element modeling ensures these traces can endure significant mechanical stresses, such as movement, breathing, and heartbeat-induced vessel expansion while maintaining functionality. Additionally, we explore their performance under 3D deformation to guarantee durability and reliability in real-world applications.

Publications

Abrego, Amada M., Wasif Khan, Christopher E. Wright, M. Rabiul Islam, Mohammad H. Ghajar, Xiaokang Bai, Nitin Tandon, and John P. Seymour. "Sensing local field potentials with a directional and scalable depth electrode array." Journal of Neural Engineering (2023). (email site if you need a copy)

M. Vöröslakos*, K. Kim*, N. Slager, E. Ko, S. Oh, S. S. Parizi, Q. Wang, H. Ye, B. Hendrix, D. James, H. Qian, J P. Seymour, K.D. Wise, A. Fernández-Ruiz, G. Buzsáki, E. Yoon, “HectoSTAR μLED optoelectrodes for large-scale, high-precision in vivo opto-electrophysiology” Advanced Science (2022): 2105414.

McCarty, MJ., O. Woolnough, J.C. Mosher, J.P. Seymour, and Nitin Tandon. "The Listening Zone of Human Electrocorticographic Field Potential Recordings." Eneuro 9, no. 2 (2022).

D. Yan, A. Jiman, E. Bottorff, P. Patel, D. Meli, E. Welle, D. Ratze, L. Havton, C. Chestek, S. Kemp, T. Bruns, E. Yoon, J. Seymour*, “Ultraflexible and Stretchable Intrafascicular Peripheral Nerve Recording Device with Axon‐Dimension, Cuff‐Less Microneedle Electrode Array” Small (2022): 2200311.

Park, Sung-Yun, Na Kyounghwan, Mihaly Voroslakos, Hyunsoo Song, Nathan Slager, Sungjin Oh, John P Seymour, Gyorgy Buzsaki, and Euisik Yoon. 2021. “A Miniaturized 256-Channel Neural Recording Interface with Area-Efficient Hybrid Integration of Flexible Probes and CMOS Integrated Circuits.” IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering.

Welle, Elissa J, Joshua E Woods, Ahmad A Jiman, Julianna M Richie, Elizabeth C Bottorff, Zhonghua Ouyang, John P Seymour, Paras R Patel, Tim M Bruns, and Cynthia A Chestek. 2021. “Sharpened and Mechanically Durable Carbon Fiber Electrode Arrays for Neural Recording.” IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering 29: 993–1003.

Sperry ZJ, Na K, Jun J, Madden LR, Socha A, Yoon E, Seymour JP, Bruns TM. High-density Neural Recordings from Feline Sacral Dorsal Root Ganglia with Thin-film Array. J. Neural Eng. (2021).

A.A. Jiman, D.C. Ratze, E.J. Welle, P.R. Patel, J.M. Richie, E.C. Bottorff, J.P. Seymour, C.A. Chestek, T.M. Bruns Multi-channel intraneural vagus nerve recordings with a novel high-density carbon fiber microelectrode array; Scientific Reports, 10: 15501, (2020)

Na, Kyounghwan, Zachariah J Sperry, Jiaao Lu, Mihaly Vöröslakos, Saman S Parizi, Tim M Bruns, Euisik Yoon, and John P Seymour. 2020. “Novel Diamond Shuttle to Deliver Flexible Neural Probe with Reduced Tissue Compression.” Microsystems & Nanoengineering 6 (1): 1–13.

Kim, K., Vöröslakos, M., Seymour, J.P., Wise, K.D., Buzsáki, G., Yoon, E. Artifact-free and high-temporal-resolution in vivo opto-electrophysiology with microLED optoelectrodes. Nat Commun 11, 2063 (2020).

D. Yan, T.M. Bruns, Y. Wu, L. Zimmerman, C. Stephan, Y. Cheng, A.P. Cameron, E. Yoon, J.P. Seymour, “Ultra-compliant carbon nanotube stretchable electronics direct bladder interface” in press at Adv. Healthcare Materials

Mendrela AE, Kim K, English D, McKenzie S, Seymour JP, Buzsáki G, et al. A High-Resolution Opto-Electrophysiology System with a Miniature Integrated Headstage. IEEE Trans Biomed Circuits Syst. 2018 (link)

Sperry ZJ, Na K, Parizi SS, Chiel HJ, Seymour J, Yoon E, Bruns TM. Flexible microelectrode array for interfacing with the surface of neural ganglia. Journal of neural engineering. 2018 Apr 16;15(3):036027. (link)

Komal Kampasi, English DF, Seymour J, Stark E, McKenzie S, Vöröslakos M, et al. Dual color optogenetic control of neural populations using low-noise, multishank optoelectrodes. Microsystems Nanoeng. 2018;(link).

S.M. Wellman, J.R. Eles, K.A. Ludwig, J.P. Seymour, N.J. Michelson, W.E. McFadden, A.L. Vazquez, T.D.Y. Kozai, “A Materials Roadmap to Functional Neural Interface Design,” Advanced Functional Materials, 2017, 1701269. (link)

J.P. Seymour*, F. Wu, K.D. Wise, E. Yoon, “State-of-the-art MEMS and microsystem tools for brain research,” Microsystems and Nanoengineering, 16066, 2017. (link)

K. Kampasi, E. Stark, J. Seymour, K. Na, H. G. Winful, G. Buzsáki, K. D. Wise, and E. Yoon, “Fiberless multicolor neural optoelectrode for in vivo circuit analysis,” Scientific Reports, vol. 6, 2016. (link)

T.D.Y. Kozai, K. Catt, Z. Du, K. Na, O. Srivannavit, R.M. Haque, J. Seymour, K.D. Wise, E. Yoon, and X. T. Cui, “Chronic in vivo evaluation of PEDOT/CNT for stable neural recordings,” IEEE Trans. Biomed. Eng., vol. 63, no. 1, pp. 111–119, 2016. (link)

J.P. Seymour*, N. Langhals, D.J.Anderson, D.R. Kipke; “Novel multi-sided, microelectrode arrays for implantable neural applications,” Biomed Microdevices, 2011. 13(3): p. 441-51. (link)

J.P. Seymour*, Y. Elkasabi, H. Chen, J. Lahann, and D.R. Kipke; “Improved insulation performance in bioelectrical devices with a reactive parylene interface,” Biomaterials; 2009; 30(31): 6158-6167. (link)

E.K. Purcell, J.P. Seymour, S. Yandamuri, D.R. Kipke, “In vivo evaluation of a neural stem cell-seeded probe.” Journal of Neural Engineering; 2009; Apr; Issue 2. (link)

J.P. Seymour and D.R. Kipke; "Neural probe design for reduced tissue encapsulation in CNS," Biomaterials; 2007; Sep; 28(25):3594-3607. (link)

Peer-Reviewed Conference Proceedings

D. Yan, A. Jiman, D. Ratze, S. Huang, E. Welle, P. Patel, A. Ouyang, M. Kushner, C. Chestek, T. Bruns, E. Yoon, J. Seymour*, “Microneedle Penetrating Array with Axon-Sized Dimensions for Cuff-less Peripheral Nerve Interfacing” IEEE EMBS NER Conference 2019, Mar. 2019; San Francisco, CA

D. Yan, J. Seymour, C. Stephen, A. Mundorf, Y. Cheng, T. Bruns, E. Yoon, “Highly stretchable implantable device for bladder volume monitoring and stimulation”, Materials Research Society, Nov. 26 2017; Boston, MA

A. E. Mendrela, K. Kim, D. English, S. McKenzie, J. Seymour, G. Buzsáki E. Yoon, “A Miniature Headstage for High Resolution Closed-Loop Optogenetics", 2017 IEEE Biomedical Circuits & Systems Conference, 2017 Oct. 19-21; Turin, Italy

K. Kim, D. English, S. Mckenzie, F. Wu, E. Stark, J. Seymour, P. Ku, K. Wise, G. Buzsaki, and E. Yoon, “GaN-on-Si μ LED optoelectrodes for high-spatiotemporal-accuracy optogenetics in freely behaving animals,” IEEE Int. Electron Devices Meet., 2016.

K. Kampasi, J. Seymour, E. Stark, G. Buzsáki, K. D. Wise, and E. Yoon, “Efficient assembly of multi-color fiberless optoelectrodes with on-board light sources for neural stimulation and recording,” in Conference of the IEEE Engineering In Medicine And Biology Society (EMBC), 2016.

K. Kampasi, J. P. Seymour, K. Na, K. D. Wise, and E. Yoon, “Fiberless multicolor optoelectrodes using injection laser diodes and gradient-index lens coupled optical waveguides,” in Transducers, 2015.

A. Khurram and J. P. Seymour, “Investigation of the photoelectrochemical effect in optoelectrodes and potential uses for implantable electrode characterization.” EMBC 2013. The 35th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society; 2013 July 3-7; Osaka, Japan.

D.R. Kipke, GJ Gage, EK Purcell, J.P. Seymour, J Subbaroyan, TC Marzullo, “Development of neural interfaces for chronic use in neuromotor prosthetics,” IEEE 10th International Conf. on Rehabilitation Robotics

J.P. Seymour, D.R. Kipke; " Open-Architecture Neural Probes Reduce Cellular Encapsulation," Materials Research Society Symposium Proc. Vol. 926, pp. 6, San Francisco 2006.

J. P. Seymour and D. R. Kipke, “Fabrication of polymer neural probes with sub-cellular features for reduced tissue encapsulation,” Annu. Int. Conf. IEEE Eng. Med. Biol. - Proc., vol. 1, pp. 4606–4609, Jan. 2006.

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