Flexible electronics integrating 3D nanostructured electrodes for cellular-resolution in-depth electrophysiology recordings from developing spheroids and organoids

Projektinformationen

SPHELECTRO

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 101028752

DOI

10.3030/101028752

Projekt abgeschlossen

EK-Unterschriftsdatum 24 März 2021

Startdatum 1 Februar 2022

Enddatum 24 Dezember 2025

Finanziert unter

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Gesamtkosten

€ 295 061,76

EU-Beitrag

€ 295 061,76

Koordiniert durch

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS
France

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SPHELECTRO (Flexible electronics integrating 3D nanostructured electrodes for cellular-resolution in-depth electrophysiology recordings from developing spheroids and organoids)

Berichtszeitraum: 2022-02-01 bis 2025-01-31

Zusammenfassung vom Kontext und den Gesamtzielen des Projekts

Three-dimensional neural models such as spheroids and organoids represent promising platforms for studying human brain development and neurodegenerative disorders, offering advantages for large-scale production and drug screening applications. However, current electrical characterization techniques remain limited to acute, invasive, or superficial recordings that fail to capture the long-term functional dynamics of these 3D structures. The SPHELECTRO project addressed this critical gap by developing a flexible electronics platform capable of seamless integration into 3D brain models for prolonged electrophysiological monitoring.

Arbeit, die ab Beginn des Projekts bis zum Ende des durch den Bericht erfassten Berichtszeitraums geleistet wurde, und die wichtigsten bis dahin erzielten Ergebnisse

The project successfully achieved its core technical objectives through systematic development across multiple work packages. A biocompatible, ultra-thin flexible mesh platform named Neuronet was designed and fabricated using a multilayer SU-8/metal process. Extensive process development resolved critical challenges including mechanical stress management in thin-film structures and unwanted metal-catalyzed polymer crosslinking. Integration protocols were established to incorporate these flexible devices into developing primary cortical spheroids and human iPSC-derived brain organoids at early developmental stages. Leveraging an existing in-house 60-channel acquisition platform developed within the host team, a complete electrophysiology recording system was established through the development of custom packaging solutions compatible with standard cell culture formats and dedicated analysis software (NeuraScope). Proof-of-concept validation demonstrated successful long-term recordings of spontaneous neural activity from both primary spheroids and human organoids, capturing network maturation dynamics over long culture periods.

Fortschritte, die über den aktuellen Stand der Technik hinausgehen und voraussichtliche potenzielle Auswirkungen (einschließlich der bis dato erzielten sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen und weiter gefassten gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen des Projekts)

This work represents the first demonstration of integrated flexible electronics for chronic, multi-site electrophysiological monitoring throughout 3D neural tissue constructs. The platform's compatibility with standard laboratory culture consumables positions it as a potentially scalable tool for neuroscience research and pharmaceutical applications. By enabling routine functional assessment of organoid models, this technology contributes to European strategic objectives including development of human-relevant alternatives to animal experimentation (3Rs principles) and acceleration of drug discovery for neurological disorders affecting millions of Europeans. Primary end-users include academic laboratories studying brain development and disease, pharmaceutical companies conducting screening assays, and emerging personalized medicine applications. While current technology readiness remains at proof-of-concept stage, the successful demonstration of key functionalities establishes a foundation for future commercial development in the rapidly growing organoid electrophysiology market.

A Neuronet electrophysiology mesh integrated into a primary cortical spheroid