Focused Session FQ-6
Next Generation Implantable Neural Interfaces
Convener:
Stefano VASSANELLI, University of Padova, Italy
Members:
Fabio BISCARINI, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
Andreas DEMOSTHENOUS, University College London, UK
Dominique DURAND, Case Western Reserve University, USA
Dario FARINA, Imperial College London, UK
Andreas HIERLEMANN, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Nigel LOVELL, University of New South Wales, Australia
Kip LUDWIG, University of Wisconsin, USA
Luca MAIOLO, CNR-IMM, Roma, Italy
George G. MALLIARAS, University of Cambridge, UK
Jun OHTA, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Japan
Christelle PRINZ, Lund University, Sweden
Stefano VASSANELLI, University of Padova, Italy
Members:
Fabio BISCARINI, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
Andreas DEMOSTHENOUS, University College London, UK
Dominique DURAND, Case Western Reserve University, USA
Dario FARINA, Imperial College London, UK
Andreas HIERLEMANN, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Nigel LOVELL, University of New South Wales, Australia
Kip LUDWIG, University of Wisconsin, USA
Luca MAIOLO, CNR-IMM, Roma, Italy
George G. MALLIARAS, University of Cambridge, UK
Jun OHTA, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Japan
Christelle PRINZ, Lund University, Sweden
Maria Rosa ANTOGNAZZA, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Italy
Dominique DURAND, Case Western Reserve University, USA
Kristen KOZIELSKI, Technical University of Munich, Germany
Luca MAIOLO, IMM - CNR, Italy
Dominique DURAND, Case Western Reserve University, USA
Kristen KOZIELSKI, Technical University of Munich, Germany
Luca MAIOLO, IMM - CNR, Italy
Interfacing of external electronics to the human nervous system has been already shown to provide a powerful tool to better sensing, understanding and modulating neural functions at the central and peripheral levels. The development of implantable neural interfaces has enabled large-scale and high-resolution recording of neural populations in vivo and opened new application perspectives for neuroscience and for the therapy of neurological disorders. If, on one hand, a new investigation window has been opened on brain function by getting better access to brain microcircuits, on the other hand these novel neural interfaces may represent a means to partially restore lost functions in the nervous system of neurological patients. The reliability and endurance of the implant, the degradation with time of neural functions caused by implant/ tissue mismatches in stiffness, insertion-associated injuries and foreign body reactions represent all serious problems to be overcome. Further on, other complex challenges are to be faced along this route, including the stable sensing of weak signals from individual or a few neurons for long periods, the implementation of microstimulation paths for two-way control of neurons activity, and the embodiment of signal processing capabilities in the implant at low power consumption. Developing new materials, nanoscale devices and architectures allowing for an efficient and smart bi-directional interfacing of microelectronic devices with the nervous tissue and providing a high degree of biocompatibility is therefore key for successful application of neural interfaces.
This Focused Session, that follows the ones on the same subject held at previous CIMTEC Conferences, will feature recent progress in this challenging research field whose breakthroughs are expected to have relevant impact on the treatment of disorders of the nervous system such as e.g. spinal cord injuries, neurovegetative diseases such as e.g. Parkinson’s, autism, severe mental illness, and visual cortex and retina diseases.
The following and related subject matter will be covered:
This Focused Session, that follows the ones on the same subject held at previous CIMTEC Conferences, will feature recent progress in this challenging research field whose breakthroughs are expected to have relevant impact on the treatment of disorders of the nervous system such as e.g. spinal cord injuries, neurovegetative diseases such as e.g. Parkinson’s, autism, severe mental illness, and visual cortex and retina diseases.
The following and related subject matter will be covered:
- Neural electrode materials: 1D, 2D nanomaterials, electroactive and optically active materials, bioinspired materials, bioactive hydrogels …
- Conformable and flexible electronics for neural interfacing
- Nano-, microdevices for neural signals processing
- Axon pathfinding to target, neural tissue engineering, bioactive scaffolds for nerve regeneration
- Biocompatibility of neural electrodes with tissue, neuroprosthetic device biostability
- Substrate micro-nano structuring and functionalization for neural development
- Thin film-based technologies for neuroprosthetics
- Deep-brain and peripheral neural electrode interfacing
- Mechanical and electronic properties of implantable neural recording and stimulation devices
- In-vitro neural interfacing studies; lab-on-chip devices
- In-vivo studies: systemic response (physical, chemical, electrical) to implanted neural interfaces
- Signal quality, signal management, reliability, long term stability.
- Updated achievements in clinical translations e.g. treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, brain injuries, epilepsy, spinal cord injuries, artificial retina, ….