Malak Kawan

Interests

The development of biocompatible neural interfaces for chronic therapeutic interventions is a long-standing challenge in the field of electronics interfacing with the nervous system. The foreign body reaction triggered upon implantation of foreign objects, specifically neural probes, is responsible for fibrotic encapsulation of implanted neural probes. This encapsulation creates a physical barrier between the electrodes and host tissue, resulting in a gradual decline in device functionality. My research is focused on developing biohybrid neural interfaces in the brain using novel bioengineering approaches including, the extraction of neuronal membranes from cells and the use of bio-derived materials to reduce inflammation upon implantation and improve device stability in vivo.

Research Focus

Equipment

Confocal microscopy