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

Informazioni relative al progetto

SPHELECTRO

ID dell’accordo di sovvenzione: 101028752

DOI

10.3030/101028752

Progetto chiuso

Data della firma CE 24 Marzo 2021

Data di avvio 1 Febbraio 2022

Data di completamento 24 Dicembre 2025

Finanziato da

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Costo totale

€ 295 061,76

Contributo UE

€ 295 061,76

Coordinato da

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)

Periodo di rendicontazione: 2022-02-01 al 2025-01-31

Sintesi del contesto e degli obiettivi generali del progetto

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.

Lavoro eseguito dall’inizio del progetto fino alla fine del periodo coperto dalla relazione e principali risultati finora ottenuti

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.

Progressi oltre lo stato dell’arte e potenziale impatto previsto (incluso l’impatto socioeconomico e le implicazioni sociali più ampie del progetto fino ad ora)

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