Descrizione del progetto
Microrobot nel cervello per l’attuazione e la neurostimolazione multimodali
I neuroni comunicano e svolgono compiti attraverso una complessa interazione di meccanismi di segnalazione che comprendono variazioni elettriche, chimiche (molecolari e ioniche) e termiche. La loro partecipazione a un dato compito può essere misurata in parte dai segnali generati durante la depolarizzazione e la ripolarizzazione, sia a livello individuale che come attività sincrona di molte cellule (potenziali di campo extracellulare). L’ambizioso progetto CROSSBRAIN, finanziato dal CEI, svilupperà uno sciame di microrobot senza fili, impiantabili e compatibili con l’RMI in grado di percepire l’attività elettrica a livello cellulare e di circuito e modulare la stimolazione elettrica delle cellule, in base alle esigenze. Il traguardo verrà conseguito tramite l’uso di attuatori multimodali sostenuti da un edge computing estremo, reso possibile da una raccolta di energia e da una comunicazione di bordo miniaturizzate e senza fili.
Obiettivo
A vast number of pathological brain conditions directly involve aberrant electrical activity of the brain. CROSSBRAIN centres its technological revolution on the convergence of novel nanoactuation modalities, bleeding-edge nano-electronics, and miniaturized wireless energy harvesting and communication. Combining extreme edge computing with advanced nanomaterials featuring tailored physical properties, biocompatible coatings, and material modifications to prevent glial scarring, CROSSBRAIN will enable individualized, adaptive and highly spatiotemporally localized actuation of brain tissue. It will leverage sensing electric local field potentials, multiunit neuronal activity, and cross-modal nanomaterial-based modulation (electrical, mechanical, thermal, ionic concentration, optogenetics) of neuronal excitability with on-board intelligence. The CROSSBRAIN platform comprises a swarm of wireless, implantable, MRI-compatible microbots for in vivo electrophysiology and cross-modal neuromodulation at the cell- and microcircuit levels, in freely moving rodents. CROSSBRAIN delivers a multiplicity of stimulation modalities, involving electro-mechano-magneto-thermo-optical principles for modulation of nerve cell excitability. The microbots will feature both sensing and actuation electrodes, engineered with nanomaterials and viral vectors coatings. They will be implanted endovascularly, deliver genetic material upon command, and operate in federation under the networked control and wireless power supply by a tiny central unit, which can be worn like an internet of things device. CROSSBRAIN will deliver autonomous or manual, closed-loop sensing, prediction, and actuation through combining multiple neuromodulation mechanisms, which will act in a synergistic and dynamic manner to optimally shape stimulation according to individual neuronal firing patterns or clinician’s needs. As case studies, we will explore CROSSBRAIN action in animal models of Parkinson’s Disease and Epilepsy.
Campo scientifico
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurologyepilepsy
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesinternet
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcoating and films
- engineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materials
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationsradio technology
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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HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC GrantsCoordinatore
00133 Roma
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