The Lin Lab addresses existing technological challenges in neuroscience research by leveraging multidisciplinary expertise in chemistry, materials synthesis, protein engineering, and micro/nanofabrication. The research efforts encompass molecular, device, and systems levels, allowing us to develop comprehensive solutions across scales. At the molecular level, the Lin Lab combines protein design and evolutionary methods to create innovative tools for recording brain-wide neuronal dynamics with cellular resolution. Specifically, the team focuses on engineering intracellular recorders that capture the histories of neural activity within individual cells, enabling retrospective readout of neural events. At the device level, the Lin Lab develops ultraflexible and biocompatible neural probes that seamlessly interface with the brain. These probes are mechanically compatible with soft brain tissue, minimizing gliosis and facilitating chronic recording from the same neuronal population over extended periods. On the systems level, the Lin lab drives innovation in modalities and surgical apparatuses for the precise and minimally invasive delivery of drugs, genetic materials, and electronic devices to the brain. The ultimate goal of the Lin lab is to empower researchers with transformative tools and methodologies that enable deeper insights into the central nervous system, fostering advancements in both basic and applied neuroscience.
Dingchang Lin, PHD
Assistant Professor
Specialization: Molecular and electronic neurotechnology for neural recording and stimulation.
Contact
3400 N Charles St
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Maryland Hall, 101-F
Baltimore, MD 21218
Email: dclin@jhu.edu
Lab website: engineering.jhu.edu/dclin
Twitter: Twitter
Understanding the complex central nervous system requires radical innovations in neuronal probing and modulation technologies. The Lin Lab’s mission is to advance neurotechnology that seamlessly interfaces with the central nervous system, adapts and responds to internal physiological changes as well as external physical stimuli, thus enabling precise neuronal probing and modulation with exceptional spatiotemporal resolution, multifunctionality, and cell-type specificity.