Project description DEENESFRITPL Biohybrid devices for studying neural synapses Many neurodegenerative disorders emerge from faulty neural connections within the brain, which translates into neural miscommunication. To study the electrical activity and connectivity of neuronal networks, the EU-funded BRAIN-ACT initiative aims to develop interactive biohybrid devices that will couple biological neuronal networks to organic artificial neurons. The generated devices will incorporate electroactive materials and allow for the first time neurons to interact with the device. Results will provide important insight into the dynamic behaviour and plasticity of synapses, paving the way for neuromorphic devices to serve as implantable materials in the brain. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective BRAIN-ACT aims to develop the next generation of interactive biohybrid devices which will couple biological neuronal networks to organic artificial neurons. For the first time, neurons will interact with the device by active mechanical reshaping which will transduce in the maintenance of the electrical network connection strength (long term potentiation –LTP). This will be achieved by a) processing dynamic electroactive materials b) engineering the neuromorphic abiotic surface with biological synaptic receptors and c) intergrate an in vitro biohybrid synapses array to investigate the interplay at the interface between neuronal cells and their synaptic activity with dynamic electrically-smart materials. BRAIN-ACT will pave the way for a new class of chip-based smart bioelectronic devices which will ‘have a shape of a neuron and act like a neuron’. Over 10 million people are affected by neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s worldwide and show significant loss of functionalities in their daily life. Those are mainly related to faulty connections within the brain which reflects neuronal miscommunication regulated by billions of individual connections among pairs called synapses. The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity is called synaptic plasticity and is regulated through electrical and biomechanical signals exchanged by neurons pairs. In vitro bioelectronic platforms have been devoted to monitor and stimulate those signals across neuronal network areas to characterize electrical activity and connectivity in a passive manner. BRAIN-ACT will revolutionize the study of in vitro neuronal networks through active mechanical reshaping to establish optimal electrical signal exchange among neuronal cells. More broadly, the proposed project will define the fundamental conditions to unleash the potential of neuromorphic devices as implantable materials in to the brain. Fields of science medical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurologydementiaalzheimermedical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurologyparkinson Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2020-STG - ERC STARTING GRANTS Call for proposal ERC-2020-STG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-STG - Starting Grant Coordinator FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JULICH GMBH Net EU contribution € 1 166 649,50 Address Wilhelm johnen strasse 52428 Julich Germany See on map Region Nordrhein-Westfalen Köln Düren Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Beneficiaries (3) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JULICH GMBH Germany Net EU contribution € 1 166 649,50 Address Wilhelm johnen strasse 52428 Julich See on map Region Nordrhein-Westfalen Köln Düren Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA Participation ended Italy Net EU contribution € 0,00 Address Via morego 30 16163 Genova See on map Region Nord-Ovest Liguria Genova Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 RHEINISCH-WESTFAELISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE AACHEN Germany Net EU contribution € 692 412,50 Address Templergraben 55 52062 Aachen See on map Region Nordrhein-Westfalen Köln Städteregion Aachen Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
