Minimally Invasive Neuromodulation Implant and implantation procedure based on ground-breaking GRAPHene technology for treating brain disorders

• Unité de recherche: SEFRI
• Numéro de projet: 22.00163

Résumé des résultats (Abstract) (Anglais)

Neurostimulation therapies hold the promise to treat brain diseases refractory to pharmacological treatment. However, these therapies are not fully adopted due to important technological and clinical challenges, such as highly invasive implantation, multiple side effects due to off-target stimulation, low signal resolution and lack of personalized therapies. The MINIGRAPH project aims to develop a ground-breaking neuromodulation therapy that addresses current needs of the field. We will develop and validate a new generation of brain implants with closed-loop neuromodulation capabilities, enabled by skull implanted flexible electronics unit and miniature and high-density arrays of graphene microelectrodes. Our implant will feature high miniaturization, large spatial resolution and optimal biocompatibility with brain tissue. The closed-loop capabilities will enable to develop personalized and adaptive therapies depending on patients’ needs. In addition, we will also develop and validate a minimally invasive implantation procedure with high precision implantation and low invasiveness through a single small skull incision. The MINIGRAPH project outcomes will truly revolutionize the way we treat neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases in the near future. To achieve our ambitious objectives, we have put together an interdisciplinary consortium formed by high-renowned research centers and a high-promising SME, with all the expertise and resources needed to complete the project within time and budget. Our project addressesthe objectives of the “Toolsto measure and stimulate activity in brain tissue” pathfinder challenge, as it provides 1) miniature and minimally invasive brain implants, 2) closed-loop neuromodulation therapy for personalized medicine, 3) biocompatible ultra-thin and flexible neuroelectrodes, and 4) minimized power consumption solution. All together, we believe the MINIGRAPH project will be a unique addition to the challenge portfolio.