Our research is focused on engineering novel materials and therapeutic systems to stimulate damaged peripheral and spinal neurons to regenerate. We take a unique approach to this problem – we use electrically conducting polymers and natural-based materials (e.g., hyaluronic acid-based biomaterials, decellularized tissues) to create therapies that can electrically, chemically, biologically and mechanically trigger neurons, at both the macroscopic and nanometer-scales.

Christine E. Schmidt, Ph.D.
Pruitt Family Professor and Department Chair
J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering
University of Florida
BMSB JG-42
P.O. Box 116131
Gainesville, FL 32611

Phone: 352-273-9222
Fax: 352-273-9221
Email: schmidt@bme.ufl.edu

Natural-Based Biomaterials

Biomimetic Conducting Polymers

Mechanisms of Cell-Materials Interactions

View the NSF Science Nation Video (Aug 2013)
View Video About Schmidt Lab Research
View Fox 7 News Interview
Listen to NPR IEEE Spectrum Podcast