Assistant Professor, Department of Bioengineering University of Pittsburgh Email: xic11@pitt.edu

Ph.D, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Research Interests

Research projects are being conducted in the following areas: (1) Neural Electrode Array / Tissue Interface - Multifunctional smart biomaterial coatings are being developed to improve the electrode/host tissue interface for chronic neural stimulation and recording. Approaches include surface modification, controlled release of soluble drug and growth factors, real time biochemical sensing and stem cell seeding. (2) Control of Embryonic and Neural Stem Cell Growth and Differentiation via Surface Characteristics and Electrical Stimulation - Majority of the stem cell studies focus on the effect of soluble factors on stem cell behavior. We are interested in whether surface cues and electrical stimulation can guide the growth and differentiation of stem cells. The findings will provide design ideas for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine on how to manipulate the stem cell fate through scaffold. (3) Cultured Neuronal Networks - An in vitro multielectrode array system is established in the lab to answer neuroscience questions on how networks communicate or mature using the molecules controlled released locally from electrode coatings. (4) Skin Surface Electrode for High Resolution EEG - The goal of this project is to design a preparation free skin surface electrode compatible with automation needed for performing high resolution EEG. Novel materials such as conducting polymer and hydrogel are being explored.

Recent Publications

• Liao W, Cui X: Reagentless aptamer based impedance biosensor for monitoring a neuro-inflammatory cytokine PDGF. Biosens Bioelectron 23: 218-224, 2007.
• Widge AS, Jeffries-El M, Cui X, Lagenaur CF, Matsuoka Y: Self-assembled monolayers of polythiophene conductive polymers improve biocompatibility and electrical impedance of neural electrodes. Biosens Bioelectron 22: 1723-1732, 2007.
• Schwartz AB, Cui X, Weber DJ, Moran DW: Brain-controlled interfaces: Movement restoration with neural prosthetics. Neuron 52(1): 205-20, 2006.
• Stauffer WR, Cui X: Polypyrrole doped with 2 peptide sequences from laminin. Biomaterials 27: 2405-2413, 2006.
• Wadha R, Lagenaur CF, Cui X: Electrochemically controlled release of dexamethasone from conducting polymer polypyrrole coated electrode. J Control Release 110: 531-541, 2006.
• Cui X, Martin D: Electrochemical deposition and characterization of poly (3, 4-ethylendioxythiophene) on neural microelectrode arrays, sensors and actuators. B Chemical 98: 92-102, 2003.
• Cui X, Martin D: Fuzzy gold electrodes for lower impedance and improving adhesion with electrodeposited conducting polymer films, sensors and actuators. A Physical 103: 384-394, 2003.