Descrizione del progetto
Impianti neuromodulatori innovativi per il trattamento dei disturbi cerebrali
La neurostimolazione può ridurre il tasso di malattie neurologiche e neuropsichiatriche refrattarie al trattamento farmacologico. Tuttavia, queste procedure sono associate a un impianto altamente invasivo, imprecisione e molteplici effetti collaterali. Il progetto MINIGRAPH, finanziato dall’UE, mira a sviluppare e a convalidare impianti cerebrali innovativi con capacità di neuromodulazione ad anello chiuso, controllati da unità elettroniche impiantate e array miniaturizzati di microelettrodi di grafene. Il progetto introdurrà una procedura di impianto minimamente invasiva e di alta precisione, utilizzando solo una piccola incisione sul cranio. Gli impianti miniaturizzati avranno una biocompatibilità ottimale con il tessuto cerebrale e forniranno un’ampia risoluzione spaziale, consentendo terapie personalizzate e adattive per i pazienti.
Obiettivo
Neurostimulation therapies hold the promise to treat brain diseases refractory to pharmacological treatment. However, these therapies are not fully adopted due to important technological and clinical challenges, such as highly invasive implantation, multiple side effects due to off-target stimulation, low signal resolution and lack of personalized therapies. The MINIGRAPH project aims to develop a ground-breaking neuromodulation therapy that addresses current needs of the field. We will develop and validate a new generation of brain implants with closed-loop neuromodulation capabilities, enabled by skull implanted flexible electronics unit and miniature and high-density arrays of graphene microelectrodes. Our implant will feature high miniaturization, large spatial resolution and optimal biocompatibility with brain tissue. The closed-loop capabilities will enable to develop personalized and adaptive therapies depending on patients’ needs. In addition, we will also develop and validate a minimally invasive implantation procedure with high precision implantation and low invasiveness through a single small skull incision.
The MINIGRAPH project outcomes will truly revolutionize the way we treat neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases in the near future. To achieve our ambitious objectives, we have put together an interdisciplinary consortium formed by high-renowned research centers and a high-promising SME, with all the expertise and resources needed to complete the project within time and budget. Our project addresses the objectives of the “Tools to measure and stimulate activity in brain tissue” pathfinder challenge, as it provides 1) miniature and minimally invasive brain implants, 2) closed-loop neuromodulation therapy for personalized medicine, 3) biocompatible ultra-thin and flexible neuroelectrodes, and 4) minimized power consumption solution. All together, we believe the MINIGRAPH project will be a unique addition to the challenge portfolio.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
- HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC) Main Programme
Argomento(i)
Invito a presentare proposte
HORIZON-EIC-2021-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01
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