Objective
When bionic devices such as cochlear implants, bionic eyes and brain-machine interfaces are implanted into the body they induce an inflammatory response that is difficult to control. Metals used historically for these types of devices are both stiff and inorganic, which makes them recognisable as foreign to the soft and organic human nervous system. Consequently, these implants are tolerated by the body rather than integrated and the device is walled off in a scar tissue capsule. As a result high powered and unsafe currents are required to activate tissues and produce a therapeutic response.
I have brought together concepts from tissue engineering for regenerative medicine and bionic device technologies to pioneer living bioelectronics – creating a functional neural cell component as part of the device to avert scar formation. My laboratory has established a range of novel conductive polymeric biomaterials which can be used to coat existing devices or fabricate new devices from conductive polymers, hydrogels, proteins and cells.
Living Bionics is based on a world-wide unique combination of technologies and proposes to combine electronic devices with cell laden polymers to generate devices that can bridge the implant interface and improve tissue integration. Pioneering and ground breaking research within Living Bionics includes:
• An engineered hydrogel that can support differentiation of stem cells into neural cell networks on devices
• 3D patterning of living polymer electrode arrays that contain cells
• Understanding of the combined effects of environmental, biological and electrical cues to guide cell fate and create connections to nerve tissues
• In vivo proof of principle in the murine model
Living Bionics will be a ground breaking step towards safer neural cell stimulation, which is more compatible with tissue survival and regeneration. This research will create a paradigm shift in biomedical electrode design with tremendous impact on healthcare worldwide.
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 biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences chemical sciences polymer sciences
- engineering and technology industrial biotechnology biomaterials
- 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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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 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.
ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant
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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-2017-COG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
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.
SW7 2AZ London
United Kingdom
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.