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 (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences polymer sciences
- engineering and technology materials engineering coating and films
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
- natural sciences physical sciences acoustics ultrasound
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2022-PATHFINDEROPEN-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
91058 ERLANGEN
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.