Project description
Minimally invasive implantable sensors for neuroprosthetics applications
Researchers of the EU-funded SENSO-eAXON project are developing neuroprosthetics technology that consists of wireless microstimulators. Their operation is based on the rectification of bursts of high-frequency currents. In addition to microstimulators, the project has also conceived and patented a technology for developing implantable sensing systems with unprecedented levels of minimal invasiveness. The sensing systems consist of a very thin implant and an external unit that can wirelessly interact with the implant for obtaining measurements related to physical or chemical properties. Compared to state-of-the-art implantable sensing systems, this technology allows the implementation of thread-like implants – flexible and very thin of diameter less than 1 mm. The aim of the SENSO-eAXON proof-of-concept project is to pave the way for further development and clinical validation of the technology.
Objective
Within the eAXON project, which is funded by an ERC CoG, we are developing a technology for neuroprosthetics which consists of wireless microstimulators whose operation is based on rectification of galvanically conducted bursts of high frequency current. In addition to the microstimulators technology, we have conceived and protected a technology for the development of implantable sensing systems with an unprecedented level of minimal invasiveness. The sensing technology consists of a very thin implant and an external unit able to wirelessly interrogate the implant for obtaining measurements related to physical or chemical magnitudes in the implant or in its vicinity. In contrast to previous implantable sensing technologies, our technology allows the implementation of thread-like implants; flexible and very thin (diameter < 1 mm). Such level of miniaturization is possible because our technology avoids the need of bulky components within the implants (e.g. batteries or coils) for power and communications. The proposed PoC project is essentially intended to pave the way for a spin-off company aimed at further developing and clinically validating the technology for a specific clinical need.
Fields of science
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Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept GrantHost institution
08002 Barcelona
Spain