Clinical Lecturer in Neurosurgery, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge

Damiano G. Barone, MD, PhD, FRCS, is an NIHR Clinical Lecturer in Neurosurgery at the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine. He graduated in medicine from the University of Naples and training as a neurosurgeon with sub-specialist interest in peripheral nerve, pain, functional and complex epilepsy surgery. He was awarded a PhD in Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge, supported by a Wellcome Trust Translational Medicine and Therapeutics PhD Fellowship, and completed a post-doc in Prof. Malliaras’ lab. Damiano works together with Professor George Malliaras on the development and clinical application of novel neurotechnologies to modulate and restore loss of neurological functions.

The nervous system plays a key role in the regulation of body function from voluntary movement to cognition. Due to the inability of the nervous system to regenerate itself, injuries to the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerve can have a profound impact on patients, their families and society. Current treatment options remain limited. Bioelectronics represent a promising tool to restore lost neurological functions, by modulating damaged neural circuits. The lab is focused on tackling basic and translational challenges for the development of the next generation of neural bioelectronics:

1 – Biohybrid interfaces: Implantable bioelectronic interfaces containing cells allowing seemless integration with host tissue.

2 – Minimally Invasive bioelectronics: Implantable devices involving keyhole surgery with minimal surgical trauma to surrounding tissue.

3 – Foreign Body Reaction: Strategies to reduce the development of scarring around implantable devices, and achieve their long-term function.