Project description
Graphene could boost neuronal activity in the brain
Neurological diseases are a global public health concern, especially for the ageing population. Deep brain stimulation – a decade-old technique used for treating neurological disorders – delivers electrical pulses via implanted electrodes within certain areas of the brain. However, these devices blindly deliver electricity, including to regions of the brain where it is not necessary. The EU-funded LIGHTEST project aims to design an innovative neural interface comprising graphene-based electrodes, exploiting graphene’s potential to convert light into electricity. This strategy could be a biocompatible and highly efficient way to generate electricity in order to stimulate human cells, with precise spatial and temporal control. The project will use advanced techniques such as high-throughput screening and RNA sequencing to screen graphene-based formulations and their biological interactions in the presence of light.
Objective
Neurological disorders are a global leading medical and societal challenge, affecting particularly the aged population. Because of the lack of efficiency of pharmacological options, alternatives such as electrical stimulation using implanted electrodes has gained popularity. However, this strategy lacks spatiotemporal control over the stimulation of specific neural circuits, of which no biochemical information can be acquired. Recent breakthroughs in non-genetic, light-mediated electrical stimulation have shown promising results towards minimally invasive devices with controllable performance following exposure to near infrared (NIR) light. The LIGHTEST project proposes an innovative neural interface constituted by electrodes combining graphene with upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP), which will convert NIR light into electricity with spatiotemporal control. We will use novel tools to screen formulated graphene-UCNP complexes and evaluate their biological interactions in the presence of NIR light (e.g. high-throughput screening, RNA sequencing). This project counts on the applicant’s knowledge in synthesis, characterisation and biological evaluation of graphene-based materials, alongside the expertise of Dr Lino Ferreira in the formulation of light-responsive nanomaterials and their in vivo interactions, in combination with the experience in optogenetic engineering and mechanistic understanding of light-mediated stimulation in the brain from Dr João Peça at the Host institute. This project will contribute to the establishment of the applicant in Portugal as an independent researcher in nanomedicine, which is a strategic field that will boost European competitiveness in the development of novel therapies and inspire new generations for a better healthcare.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials two-dimensional nanostructures graphene
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology nanomedicine
- natural sciences biological sciences biological behavioural sciences ethology biological interactions
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.4. - SPREADING EXCELLENCE AND WIDENING PARTICIPATION
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-WF-2018-2020
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
3004 517 Coimbra
Portugal
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.