Objective
Recent advances in nano technologies provide an exciting new tool-box best suited for stimulating and monitoring neurons at a very high accuracy and with improved bio-compatibility. In this project we propose the development of an innovative nano-material based platform to interface with neurons in-vivo, with unprecedented resolution. In particular we aim to form the building blocks for future sight restoration devices. By doing so we will address one of the most challenging and important applications in the realm of in-vivo neuronal stimulation: high-acuity artificial retina.
Existing technologies in the field of artificial retinas offer only very limited acuity and a radically new approach is needed to make the needed leap to achieve high-resolution stimulation. In this project we propose the development of flexible, electrically conducting, optically addressable and vertically aligned carbon nanotube based electrodes as a novel platform for targeting neurons at high fidelity. The morphology and density of the aligned tubes will mimic that of the retina photo-receptors to achieve record-high resolution.
The most challenging element of the project is the transduction from an optical signal to electrical activations at high resolution placing this effort at the forefront of nano-science and nano-technology research. To deal with this difficult challenge, vertically aligned carbon nanotubes will be conjugated with additional engineered materials, such as conducting polymers and quantum dots to build a supreme platform allowing unprecedented resolution and bio-compatibility. Ultimately, in this project we will focus on devising materials and processes that will become the building blocks of future devices so high density retinal implants and consequent sight restoration will become a reality in the conceivable future.
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
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine ophthalmology
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology implants
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
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.
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.
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.
ERC-2012-StG_20111012
See other projects for this call
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.
Host institution
69978 Tel Aviv
Israel
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.