A novel neuro-technological device: wireless, self-rolling micro-stimulators to target neuronal extensions
Description: Neurological disorders affect about one-eighth of the world’s population with 6.8 million people dying every year. Neuro-technologies have raised as potential solutions for prosthetic and therapeutic devices, together as a mean for fundamental neurosciences in helping to understand our brain. Implantable devices offer the closest and therefore potentially more intimate relation with the nervous tissue, but a challenging synergy between the artificial devices and biology is required to communicate with the cells, in particular neurons. Nowadays, the technologies for a large-scale and minimally invasive modulation of neurons at the cellular and sub-cellular resolution are not controlled, or they involve genetic modifications. The goal of this research project is therefore to develop a novel type of micro-device for an extensive, wireless, and photovoltaic stimulation of neurons, able to influence targeted synapses. For this purpose, we will design, fabricate, and characterize thin film devices able to electrically polarize upon illumination and create a defined local field potential near the cells membrane (photovoltaic stimulation). The involved nano-patterned components will be an anode, a semiconductor (which absorbs light and generates charges), and a cathode. These stimulators will be small enough to be injected into three-dimensional (3D) neuronal cultures and self-roll around axons and dendrites, creating an intimate connection and a selective stimulation of neurons through light. With micro and nano-fabrication techniques, together with optoelectronic materials, we can produce the photovoltaic micro-devices with engineered thin film bending for a timed and targeted wrapping around neuronal protuberances. The innovative devices are named nano-cuffs, as they resemble the electronic nerve cuffs, but are smaller, freestanding, and with nanoscale features. With light beams of a specific wavelength (ideally near-infrared), it will be possible to independently activate selected nano-cuffs to influence the synaptic behavior and communication of neuronal networks. Once the nano-cuffs are safely in place, stimulation pattern and protocols can be applied utilizing a 3D focal illumination tool. With multi-electrode arrays and patch-clamp recordings of action potentials, it will be possible to verify successful photovoltaic stimulation of neurons in vitro. The project will be divided into three studies, namely: design, fabrication, and characterization of the micro-stimulators and optimization of the wrapping mechanism around axon-like fibers (study 1); evaluation and validation of the wrapping mechanism and photovoltaic stimulation in 2D neuronal cultures (study 2); and evaluation and validation as well in 3D neuronal cultures (study 3). During studies 2 and 3, we will also explore a protocol for an original in vitro experimental investigation of neuronal networks. Eventually, the nano-cuffs could be optimized and validated for in vivo testing.These next-generation, injectable, and wireless micro-devices could be the answer to the current issues about brain-machine interfaces, significantly improving their synergism and transforming our concept of implantable devices. The possibility to engineer and adapt the materials and architectures of the nano-cuff favors the manufacturing of tailored multi-functional structures (light-emitting diodes, transistors,...) for various applications and smart devices. Moreover, the wrapping around axons and dendrites allows a large-scale control of neuronal networks for potential memory recovery, psychiatric disorders treatment, and prosthetic functions replacement, for instance.
Amount: CHF 77,700
Funding type: fellowship
Funder scheme: Early Postdoc.Mobility
Start date: 2020-09-01
End date: 2022-02-28
Investigator: Airaghi, Marta
Institution: Institution abroad - United States of America
Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Funded outputs count: 4
Funder award ID: 191218
OpenAlex ID: G5159727684