Damiano earned his M.D. from the University of Naples Federico II, then completed a neurosurgery residency at Cambridge University Hospitals. During his training, he took time out to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge, focusing on foreign body responses to neural implants and strategies for promoting tissue repair. He followed this with a postdoctoral fellowship in electrical engineering, refining thin-film device manufacturing and computational modeling to improve neural interface design. Subsequently, he undertook specialized fellowships in functional and peripheral nerve neurosurgery at the Walton Centre and the Mayo Clinic, enabling him to integrate advanced technological innovations into patient-centric surgical care.

Damiano’s interests span neurorestoration, biomaterials, and implantable devices for managing complex disorders of the nervous system. Building on clinical insights from epilepsy and peripheral nerve surgery, he has led research initiatives to mitigate the foreign body reaction around implanted electrodes, incorporate stem-cell-derived tissues onto implantable scaffolds, and adopt minimally invasive strategies to reduce surgical morbidity. His laboratory harnesses high-resolution imaging, lithography, tissue engineering, and in silico modeling to achieve stable, ultra-thin implants that can safely interact with neural tissue over extended periods. Through collaborations with industry, clinical partners, and academic teams, his group has advanced several prototypes toward large-animal validation and potential human applications in conditions such as chronic pain, spinal cord injury, and nerve repair.

Research Focus

Damiano’s lab focuses on designing seamless neural interfaces that mimic tissue mechanics while delivering precise recording and stimulation. A key goal is to create minimally invasive implants that expand in place, conform to delicate neural structures, and provide high-density neural mapping with minimal disruption. This group also pioneers “biohybrid” implants, combining cells or biologically active coatings with flexible electronics to enhance the long-term integration of devices into the host nervous system. By studying how neural tissues respond at the molecular level, they develop coatings and scaffold architectures that diminish scarring, extend device functionality, and ensure that implanted electrodes can faithfully capture and modulate signals over the course of therapy.

Defining Minimally Invasive Neural Interfaces: Damiano’s group merges advanced fabrication and soft-robotics strategies to introduce flexible electrodes through small incisions or needle-sized openings, then unfold or expand the devices for broader coverage. This minimally invasive approach reduces surgical complications while enabling dense signal sampling for procedures like spinal cord neuromodulation, epilepsy treatment, or deep brain stimulation. To expand beyond traditional dorsal or superficial implants, the group also develops wrap-around devices that encircle the spinal cord or peripheral nerves, allowing comprehensive access to motor, sensory, and autonomic pathways. By subdividing electrode arrays, specific fibers within a single nerve trunk can be activated independently, which holds promise for conditions such as nerve injury and spinal cord lesions.

Engineering Biohybrid Solutions: Traditional implants can trigger an inflammatory cascade that hampers long-term functionality. By embedding stem-cell-derived neurons within hydrogels on flexible electronics, Damiano’s team seeks to cultivate stable cell-electrode junctions. These biohybrid devices can actively remodel damaged circuits, potentially restoring function in cases of amputation, stroke, and spinal cord trauma.

Investigating Foreign Body Responses: Long-term interface viability is often thwarted by immune-mediated processes. Damiano’s lab studies how glial scarring, mechanobiology, and inflammasome activation drive the chronic rejection of implanted devices. Building on these insights, they develop adaptive substrates and controlled-release coatings to curb inflammation, promote biocompatibility, and preserve high-fidelity neural signals over extended timeframes.