Project description
Biodegradable implants for neural regeneration after injury
Injuries often impair nerve function, necessitating innovative approaches for nerve repair. With this in mind, the ERC-funded Nerve-Repair2.0 project aims to develop biodegradable MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) implants. Its focus will be on mechanically stretching peripheral nerves in vivo to support neural regeneration after injury. Specifically, it will explore two strategies. The first is NerveCyclicStretch, a soft, biodegradable magnetic implant controlled by wireless magnetic actuation with an integrated strain sensor. The second is NerveSuctionStretch, a biodegradable implant that applies negative pressure to the injured nerve using a biodegradable MEMS micro-pump and an integrated pressure sensor. In vivo studies will be conducted using rat models.
Objective
In this project, I will develop biodegradable MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) implants for nerve repair, a new class of microsystems made entirely of biodegradable materials, including sensors, actuators, and electronics.
These wireless implants will focus on the mechanical stretching of peripheral nerves in vivo for neural regeneration after injury. Two strategies will be explored, compared, and combined: 1) cyclic mechanical nerve stimulation with NerveCyclicStretch, a soft biodegradable magnetic implant controlled by wireless magnetic actuation with an integrated strain sensor, and 2) constant mechanical traction with NerveSuctionStretch, a biodegradable implant applying negative pressure to the injured nerve with a biodegradable MEMS micropump and with an integrated pressure sensor. New biodegradable stretchable magnetic and conducting materials will be developed for this purpose, and in vivo studies on the sciatic nerve of rat models will be performed to demonstrate the proper operation of the implants and to identify the optimal mechanical stimulation parameters for nerve repair.
The development of new functional biodegradable materials (with tailored magnetic, electrical, and mechanical properties) and cleanroom-compatible fabrication processes (thin films deposition, photolithography, etching of biodegradable metals and polymer composites) will enable the realization of fully biodegradable microsystems while retaining the established advantages of MEMS (small size, high precision, fast response time, low energy consumption, reliable large-scale production).
This proposal is a paradigm shift in the design of medical devices, with biodegradable implants allowing for the first time the in vivo exploration of a promising new therapeutic approach. Beyond neurosciences, Nerve-Repair2.0 will pave the way for many other medical applications including cardiac diseases, addressing crucial societal challenges that could not be solved otherwise.
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 biological sciences neurobiology
- engineering and technology materials engineering composites
- natural sciences chemical sciences polymer sciences
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology implants
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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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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-ERC - HORIZON ERC 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) ERC-2023-STG
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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.
2628 CN DELFT
Netherlands
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.