BioFunctional IntraNeural Electrodes

Project Information

BioFINE

Grant agreement ID: 101099366

DOI

10.3030/101099366

EC signature date 22 November 2022

Start date 1 April 2023

End date 30 September 2026

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 1 945 622,00

EU contribution

€ 1 945 622,00

Coordinated by

CHALMERS TEKNISKA HOGSKOLA AB
Sweden

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BioFINE (BioFunctional IntraNeural Electrodes)

Reporting period: 2023-04-01 to 2024-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Bionics is about making prosthetics which directly couples to the nervous system for instance to equip an artificial robotic hand with nerve controlled of movements and artificial sensory feedback. Intraneural electrode arrays are the components that directly interfaces the nerve from the interfascicular space. The BioFINE project aims to enhance biocompatibility of such intraneural electrodes so that they function better in contact with the patient’s own nervous system and over longer time. We are working with sophisticated micro- and nanofabrication processes combined with chemical engineering of the surfaces of the implant which helps to modulate the foreign body response. The goal is an implant that support high quality interaction with the nerve signals over many years, and with minimal impact on the nerve itself.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Over the first reporting period we have initiated developments towards our three project objectives. We have been able to advance towards further miniaturization of the flexible intraneural arrays, complementing photolithography with direct writing methods. We have developed chemical functionalization protocols for incorporating anti-inflammatory substances on the polyimide surfaces for subsequent controlled release, and furthermore explored new agents targeting reduced foreign body response in vitro, with an ongoing follow up in vivo. We are currently processing the first batch of biofunctionalized miniaturized intraneural arrays. Biofunctionalization is expected to have positive effects on tissue integration but there can also be negative effects on device integrity, something we are analyzing in our ongoing work.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The project is at this point at an early stage wherefore we do not yet report published results beyond state of the art. We have made promising advancements but follow-up with in vivo studies will confirm if we have been able to successfully and sustainably reduce the foreign body response with sustained device integrity and functionality.

BioFINE logo and project target use