Project description
Nanocrystal optoelectronic-based wireless implant for optic nerve regeneration
Optic nerve damage leads to irreversible blindness. Electrical stimulation can promote regeneration, but current non-invasive methods have limited effectiveness due to shallow penetration and non-selective tissue activation. The ERC-funded NORI project will convert recent advancements in nanocrystal optoelectronic biointerfaces into a wireless, battery-free implant for optic nerve regeneration. This ultra-thin, compact implant converts near-infrared light into localised capacitive photocurrents to selectively stimulate the optic nerve. The project will develop a flexible optoelectronic implant prototype, assess safety through accelerated ageing, in vitro biocompatibility, and in vivo histology, and demonstrate efficacy in a rat optic nerve injury model. It will create a commercialisation roadmap and prepare a proposal for the EIC Transition programme.
Objective
Optic nerve damage is a major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, yet no treatment currently exists to repair it. Electrical stimulation has been shown to promote neuronal regeneration, and non-invasive approaches such as transcorneal electrical stimulation and transorbital alternating current stimulation have demonstrated measurable improvements in visual fields, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity. However, their shallow current penetration and non-selective activation of surrounding tissues have resulted in limited and variable outcomes. This proof-of-concept project will translate our ERC-funded advances in nanocrystal optoelectronic biointerfaces into a wireless, battery-free, and flexible implant for optic nerve regeneration. The implant will be ultra-thin, compact, and capable of converting near-infrared light into localized capacitive photocurrents to selectively stimulate the optic nerve. The project has four objectives: (1) fabricate a flexible, efficient, and infrared-responsive optoelectronic implant prototype; (2) validate safety and tolerability through accelerated aging, in vitro biocompatibility, and in vivo histology; (3) demonstrate efficacy in a rat optic nerve injury model; and (4) secure intellectual property, define a commercialization roadmap, and prepare an EIC Transition proposal. By integrating prototype engineering, in-vivo validation, and exploitation planning, this project will provide the first evidence that optoelectronics implants can promote optic nerve regeneration and establish a clear pathway toward clinical translation.
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 physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics optoelectronics
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology implants
- natural sciences biological sciences histology
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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-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept 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-2025-POC
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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.
34450 Istanbul
Türkiye
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.