Research Summary:

     Dr. Han’s research focuses on: (1) the development of advanced microelectrode technologies for neuromodulation and neuroprosthesis for treatment of neurological diseases, and (2) understanding the fundamental science behind the interface of the brain and microelectrode materials. His current effort includes developing a silicon-based microelectrode technology to convey sound to persons with auditory nerve damaged by implanting the device in their cochlear nucleus in the brainstem. This effort is now in translational stage. Another project is to expand and share utility of his team’s devices to other research labs around the country by custom-assembling silicon-based 3D multisite microelectrode arrays for targets in the cerebral cortex, deep brain, brainstems, and spinal cord and nerves. He is also interested in understanding the interface between the brain tissues and microelectrodes. He has been awarded several NIH and Dept. of Defense DARPA grants, and serves in NIH study sections.

Selected Publications:

1. Nolta, N. F., P Ghelich, A. Ersoz, and M Han (2020), “Fabrication and Modeling of Recessed Traces for Silicon-Based Neural Microelectrodes”  Journal of Neural Engineering https://doi.org/10.1088/1741-2552/abb9bd
2. Pikov, V., D. B. McCreery and M. Han (2020), “Intraspinal Stimulation with Silicon-Based 3D Microelectrode Array for Bladder Voiding in Cats”  Journal of Neural Engineering DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1741-2552/abca13
3. Ghelich, P., Nolta, N., and Han M. (2021), “Unprotected Sidewalls in  Implantable Silicon Devices and Conformal Coating as a Solution” npj Materials Degradation. DOI: 10.1038/s41529-021-00154-9
4. Nolta, N. F., A. Liberti, R. Makol, and M. Han (2020) “Gelatin Embedding and LED Autofluorescence Reduction for Rodent Spinal Cord Histology” Journal of Neuroscience Methods, DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108924
5. Nambiar, A., Nolta, N., and Han, M. (2019). “3D Reconstruction of the Intracortical Volume Around a Hybrid Microelectrode Array.” Frontiers in Neuroscience 13 (393).   PMID: 31068786.  DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00393

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