Project description
Wireless brain stimulation
Neuromodulation is a technique that changes neural activity by delivering electrical impulses to the brain for therapeutic benefit in patients with neurologic or psychiatric disorders. Therapies include both invasive and non-invasive approaches. Funded by the European Innovation Council, the BRAINSTORM project proposes to develop a new technology that can excite or inhibit neurons in the brain wirelessly, in a non-invasive manner. The technology relies on magnetic nanomaterials and combines thermal, mechanical, and electrical modalities that deliver relevant stimuli to brain neurons. The efficacy of the approach will be demonstrated in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with learning and cognitive disabilities.
Objective
BRAINSTORM will introduce an innovative, scalable, wireless, multimodal nanoinvasive neuromodulation technology suitable for independent and switchable excitation and inhibition of deep brain neurons. BRAINSTORM breakthrough relies on novel smart anisotropic magnetic nanomaterials (SMNs) acting both as nanoscale ‘heaters’ and as ‘torquers’ by leveraging either hysteretic losses under kHz frequencies or transitions from vortex to in-plane magnetization under Hz frequencies. Intrinsic bimodal functionality that permits direct control of thermosensitive or mechanosenitive neurons, will be boosted by advanced polymer functionalization to transfer torques to electrical signals trough piezoelectric coating, and to enable transport and delivery of viral vectors to targeted neurons for genetic targeting with sensory channels. SMNs will also be steered to endogenous sensory channels relying on antibody targeting. Selected actuation of ion channels that respond to thermal or mechanical stimulus will permit selective activation or inhibition of targeted neuronal populations identifiable by magnetic resonance imaging. Advanced driving electronics will include to metamaterial solenoid coils for rapid frequency switch for control of ‘mechanical’ or ‘thermal’ functionality while focused ultrasound will facilitate non invasive delivery of SMNs in the targeted brain area. The ability of the BRAINSTORM platform to shape behaviour and demonstrate therapeutic potential by modulating the excitation/inhibition balance through thermal/mechanical/electrical modalities will be demonstrated in mouse models of Fragile X syndrome.
Fields of science
- natural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciences
- engineering and technologymedical engineeringdiagnostic imagingmagnetic resonance imaging
- engineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materials
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationsradio technology
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesacousticsultrasound
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC GrantsCoordinator
91054 Erlangen
Germany