NEUROCARE

Neuronal NanoCarbon Interfacing Structures

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'NeuroCare aims to create better retinal, cortical and cochlear implantable devices through the use of improved interfacing between the electronic implants and living cells. The NeuroCare concept involves low-cost, carbon-based materials, well-adapted for medical implants, because they (i) offer wide range of electronic properties (metal, semiconductor and insulator), (ii) are bio-inert and (iii) are physically robust. Coupling between electronic devices and neurons was recently studied using “soft”, nanocrystalline diamond-based micro-electrode arrays, evaluated in laboratory animals for retinal stimulation. These diamond implants considerably reduced gliosis, enabled stimulation currents to be raised by more than one order of magnitude before causing visible chemical alteration, and enabled long lasting operation with reduced biofouling. Our previous experience with nanocrystalline diamond will be directly built upon through the introduction of atomic layers of graphene to diamond surfaces. NeuroCare will specifically focus on: • Carbon-biointerface development offering reduced biofouling over the state-of-the-art, as set by the DREAMS project and improved biocompatibility • Interfacing of rigid MEAs and FETs with cells and organs to improve bidirectional communication with neurons for in vitro research and pharmacological applications • Nanoscale surface engineering and flexible macroscale implant materials for optimal contact to biological tissue • Making and testing implantable MEAs and FETs for complex multichannel neuronal communication - targeting the specificity in vivo of the implantable devices for 3 high-impact clinical applications Neurocare partners will test interfaceable and implantable devices via in vitro and in vivo testing. NeuroCare federates 12 partners: CEA (LIST and CLINATEC), Ecole Supérieure d'Ingénieurs en Electronique, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Ayanda Biosystems SA, University College London (London Centre for Nanotechnology), Johannes'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Implants have come to revolutionise medical treatment by replacing, supporting or enhancing the activity of biological structures. A European study is working to advance existing options through the use of innovative materials.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Following an accident or disease of the nervous system, the use of medical implants can significantly repair and correct impaired eyesight or hearing.

Such reconstructive implants could also be used for spinal cord injuries, drug-resistant epilepsies, psychiatric disorders and chronic neurodegenerative pathologies.

With this in mind, researchers of the EU-funded 'Neuronal nanocarbon interfacing structures' (http://NeuroCare-project.eu (NEUROCARE)) project wished to develop novel implant structures for cochlear, cortical and retinal implant applications using carbon-based materials.

In particular, they are interested in nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) and graphene for their implant structures as a way of improving the interface between implants and living cells. NCD is well known for its biocompatibility and it could afford long-lasting operation before becoming chemically altered. Graphene is emerging as an important, high-performance carbon-based material with highly sensitive recording capabilities.

The consortium has successfully constructed prototypes of cochlear implants where the metallic cochlear electrodes have been coated with NCD. Similarly, cortical implants and retinal soft implants containing NCD electrode arrays have also been developed. Where possible, the efficacy of these implants has been tested in animal models.

Incorporation of the retinal implants in dystrophic rats has revealed a very good interface and integration with endogenous retinal cells.

Compared to existing devices in the market, these novel NEUROCARE implant devices are more robust and less invasive because they are much smaller and biocompatible. The use of innovative carbon sources also promises long-lasting operation, improved performance and fewer side-effects.