Project description
Innovative neuromodulatory implants for the treatment of brain disorders
Neurostimulation may decrease neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases refractory to pharmacological treatment. However, these procedures are associated with highly invasive implantation, imprecision, and multiple side effects. The EU-funded MINIGRAPH project aims to develop and validate innovative brain implants with closed-loop neuromodulation capabilities, controlled by implanted electronics units and miniature arrays of graphene microelectrodes. The project will introduce a minimally invasive, high-precision implantation procedure using a single small skull incision. The miniature implants will have optimal biocompatibility with brain tissue and provide large spatial resolution, enabling personalised and adaptive therapies for patients.
Objective
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.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC GrantsCoordinator
08193 Cerdanyola Del Valles
Spain