Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Miniaturized automated patch-clamp system combined with high-density microelectrode arrays for multi-scale functional mapping of neuronal networks

Objective

More than one billion people worldwide (165 million in Europe) suffer from diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). With Europe's aging societies, the European Commission identified brain research as one of the key research areas under healthcare (https://ec.europa.eu/research/health/(opens in new window)). Many neurodegenerative diseases are still without cure (e.g. Parkinson’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer’s) and repeated failures in clinical trials increase the demand for novel screening technologies to be implemented in the early phases of drug discovery.

Recent studies show that synaptic dysfunction is involved in CNS diseases. New technologies for neuronal screening targeting synaptic and network activity, combined with disease model cells in vitro, will enable novel functional assays for CNS drug discovery. This project aims to develop MAPSYNE, a Miniaturized Automated Patch-clamp SYstem combined with high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) for multi-scale functional mapping of NEuronal networks. Patch-clamp allows detection of synaptic events and action potentials (APs) of single cells, while HD-MEAs record APs of thousands of neurons in parallel (also track APs propagating along axons). Combining the two methods will allow access to neuronal electrical signals across spatial and temporal scales.

MAPSYNE's main objectives are (1) the development of hardware and software for a fully automated mini-patching system on HD-MEAs and (2) proof-of-concept experiments using primary and human induced pluripotent stem cell (h-iPSC)-derived neuronal networks.

MAPSYNE will be designed for long-term, label-free recording of cell cultures. Other applications include local application of drugs (e.g synaptic blockers on neuronal compartments). After this project, the ER envisions the commercialization of MAPSYNE, and eventually, its usage for preclinical CNS drug discovery.

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.

You need to log in or register to use this function

Programme(s)

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.

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.

MSCA-IF-EF-SE - Society and Enterprise panel

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2017

See all projects funded under this call

Coordinator

MAXWELL BIOSYSTEMS AG
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 187 419,60
Address
ALBISRIEDERSTRASSE 253
8047 Zurich
Switzerland

See on map

SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Zürich Zürich
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Links
Total cost

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.

€ 187 419,60
My booklet 0 0