Deep brain stimulation based on the wireless magnetically localised and ultrasonically actuated micro-robot

Project Information

DBSBOT

Grant agreement ID: 101109050

DOI

10.3030/101109050

Project terminated on 30 January 2025

EC signature date 20 March 2023

Start date 1 April 2023

End date 31 March 2025

Funded under

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 173 847,36

Coordinated by

MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - DBSBOT (Deep brain stimulation based on the wireless magnetically localised and ultrasonically actuated micro-robot)

Reporting period: 2023-04-01 to 2025-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, have become one of the most pressing health problems in the world. Traditional therapies like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) rely on invasive, wired systems that pose risks of infection and tissue damage. To address these limitations, this project aims to develop a pioneering solution: wireless, biocompatible microrobots for minimally invasive DBS. These microrobots use magnetic fields for precise navigation within the brain’s cerebrospinal fluid and ultrasound - powered piezoelectric materials to deliver electrical stimulation, bypassing the need for implanted electrodes.

The project aligns with the EU’s Brain Research Strategy, which utilizes innovative technologies to advance understanding and treatment of neurological diseases. By integrating robotics, material science, and biomedical engineering, the microrobots aim to reduce surgical risks, improve patient quality of life, and lower healthcare costs.

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

The project successfully developed and validated novel ultrasound-powered piezoelectric microrobots for deep brain stimulation (DBS) with precise positioning, achieving the following key milestones:

1. Device Development
(1)Designed and fabricated micro-scale piezoelectric robots using two-photon lithography, which are capable of converting ultrasonic energy into electrical stimulation pulses.
(2)Integrated magnetic nanoparticles to enable precise spatial control under the guidance of an external magnetic field.

2. In Vitro Validation

(1)Demonstrated effective responses in human SH-SY5Y neural cells under ultrasound stimulations.
(2)Maintained stable performance for more than 30 days without material degradation.

These technical achievements represent a significant advance over conventional DBS systems, eliminating the risks of invasive operations. The project has generated two drafted journal article manuscripts and paved the road for future development of in vivo investigations and foundation for clinical translation.

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)

1. Technical Achievements:
(1)Successfully developed ultrasound-powered piezoelectric microrobots (50-80μm scale) using two-photon lithography, demonstrating precise energy conversion from ultrasonic waves to electrical stimulation pulses.
(2)Achieved sub-millimeter positioning accuracy (≤10 μm) through integrated magnetic nanoparticle guidance.
(3)Validated neural stimulation capability in human SH-SY5Y cell models, showing biocompatibility after 3-day cell viability tests.

2. Potential Impacts:
(1)Clinical Transformation: Could improve DBS therapy by eliminating risks associated with implanted needles to reduce infection rates.
(2)Research Advancement: Enables new neuromodulation studies through minimally invasive and precise positioning.

3. Key Research Needs for Further Development:
(1)In vivo validation in Parkinson's disease animal models.
(2)Long-term biocompatibility studies (6-12 months).
(3)Optimization for different brain regions/targets.
(4)Preclinical safety/efficacy data package for regulatory submission.

4. Commercialization Support Requirements:
(1)Partnership development with neurotech manufacturers.
(2)Regulatory affairs expertise for medical device approval.

These results demonstrate progress toward showing the possibility of replacing current DBS systems. Successful translation could benefit an estimated 3-5 million potential patients worldwide.

The diagram of microrobots for deep brain stimulation