Christopher Proctor

My research is focused on developing bioeletronic systems to improve healthcare and advance bioscience. These technologies often take design inspiration from the same biological systems with which they interact while leveraging advances in parallel fields such as biosensors, optoelectronics, soft robotics, machine learning and neuroengineering. We are commited to having a lasting impact and as such we work along the spectrum of scientific discovery, engineering innovation and clinical translation. On going project themes include: Electronic drug delivery: Targeted drug delivery can focus treatment on the region of the body affected by a given pathology thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment while reducing side effects inherent in systemic treatments. Towards that end, we are leveraging the ion conductivity of polymers to develop implantable devices that can deliver drugs precisely when and where they are needed. We showed this to be a promising method for managing epileptic seizures. We are currently adapting this technology as a research tool to understand the brain as well as for treating pathologies such as chronic pain and Parkinson’s disease. Minimally invasive implants: Existing clinical neurostimulation implants often require invasive surgical procedures that limit the eligible patient pool. We are developing novel device architectures and control systems that can allow for key-hole like surgery of large implants. Material innovations for new modalities in bioelectronics: Materials such as mixed electronic and ionic conductors and molecularly imprinted polymers have potential to open new possibilities in diagnostics and therapeutics. We are developing such material formulations for a range of applications from biosensing to tissue regeneration.

Ultra‐Thin Soft Pneumatic Actuation for Minimally Invasive Neural Interfacing Dynamically autofocused 3D pulsed laser micromachining enables advanced 3D bioelectronics Laser Micromachining for Bioelectronics: Past, Present, and Future ID# 1906537 Origami-inspired soft fluidic actuation for minimally invasive large-area electrocorticography Thick conducting polymer films for ultra-low frequency stimulation