A new technology based on graphene could well be a game-changer in neuroscience and medical applications. This technology, developed by the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) in collaboration with the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and other national and international partners, is currently being developed for therapeutic applications by the start-up INBRAIN Neuroelectronics.
After years of research as part of the European project Graphene flagshipICN2, in collaboration with the University of Manchester, has led the development of EGNITE (Engineered Graphene for Neural Interfaces), a new class of flexible, high-resolution and high-precision graphene-based implantable neurotechnology.
The findings, published in Nature Neurotechnology, aim to contribute innovative technologies to the emerging landscape of neuroelectronics and brain-computer interfaces.
EGNIT is based on the extensive experience of its inventors in the production and medical implementation of carbon-based nanomaterials. This innovative technology based on nanoporous graphene integrates standard manufacturing processes in the semiconductor industry to produce graphene microelectrodes with a diameter of just 25 µm.
Graphene microelectrodes feature low impedance and high charge injection, essential properties for flexible and efficient neural interfaces.
Preclinical validation of functionality
Preclinical studies conducted by various neuroscientific and biomedical experts who have collaborated with ICN2, using various central and peripheral nervous system models, have demonstrated that EGNITE is capable of clearly and accurately recording neural signals with high fidelity and, more importantly, targeted nerve signals to deliver modulation.
The unique combination of high-precision signal recording and precise nerve stimulation provided by EGNITE technology represents a potentially decisive advance in neuroelectronic therapy.
This innovative approach fills a critical gap in neurotechnology, where there has been little progress in materials over the past two decades. The development of EGNITE electrodes has the potential to bring graphene to the forefront of neurotechnological materials.
International collaboration and scientific leadership
The technology unveiled today builds on the legacy of Graphene flagshipa European initiative that has worked over the last decade to expand Europe's strategic leadership in technologies based on graphene and other 2D materials.
Behind this scientific breakthrough is a collaborative effort led by ICN2 researchers Damià Viana (now at INBRAIN Neuroelectronics), Steven T. Walston (now at the University of Southern California), and Eduard Masvidal-Codina under ICREA lead Jose A. Garrido. Head of the Advanced Electronic Materials and Devices Group of ICN2, and ICREA Kostas Kostarelos, Head of the Nanomedicine Laboratory and the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health of ICN2 at the University of Manchester (UK).
The research benefited from the participation of Xavier Navarro, Natàlia de la Oliva, Bruno Rodríguez-Meana and Jaume del Valle from the Institute of Neuroscience and the Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB).
The collaboration includes the contribution of major national and international institutions such as the Institut de Microelectrònica de Barcelona – IMB-CNM (CSIC), the National Graphene Institute in Manchester (UK) and the Neuroscience Institute of Grenoble – University of Grenoble Alpes (France). ) and the University of Barcelona. The integration of the technology into standard semiconductor manufacturing processes was carried out in the IMB-CNM Micro and Nanofabrication Cleanroom (CSIC) under the supervision of CIBER researcher Dr. Xavi Illa performed.
Clinical translation: next steps
The EGNITE technology described in the Nature Nanotechnology article has been patented and licensed to INBRAIN Neuroelectronics, a Barcelona-based start-up from ICN2 and ICREA, with support from IMB-CNM (CSIC). The company, also a partner in the Graphene Flagship project, is leading the translation of the technology into clinical applications and products. Led by CEO Carolina Aguilar, INBRAIN Neuroelectronics is preparing for the first human clinical trials of this innovative graphene-based technology.
The industrial and innovation landscape of semiconductor technology in Catalonia, where ambitious national strategies plan to build state-of-the-art facilities for the production of semiconductor technologies based on new materials, offers an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate the translation of these results presented today into clinical applications.
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The graphene-based EGNITE technology represents a significant advance in the field of neurotechnology. It offers a new approach for high-resolution recording of neuronal signals and precise nerve stimulation.
This technology, developed by ICN2 and UAB, is currently being developed for therapeutic applications by the start-up INBRAIN Neuroelectronics.
For better understanding
What is EGNITE technology?
EGNITE is a new class of flexible, high-resolution and high-precision implantable neurotechnology based on graphene.
What are the advantages of EGNITE technology?
EGNITE is capable of recording high-precision neural signals with exceptional clarity and precision, delivering targeted neural modulation.
Who developed EGNITE technology?
The EGNITE technology was developed by the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) in collaboration with the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and other national and international partners.
What are the next steps for EGNITE technology?
The EGNITE technology has been patented and licensed to INBRAIN Neuroelectronics, a start-up that is driving the translation of the technology into clinical applications and products.
What is the potential impact of EGNITE technology?
EGNITE technology has the potential to revolutionize the field of neuroscience and medical applications by providing a new approach to high-resolution recording of neuronal signals and precise nerve stimulation.
References
Viana D, Walston ST, Masvidal-Codina E, et al. Nanoporous, graphene-based thin-film microelectrodes for high-resolution neuronal recording and stimulation in vivo. Nat. Nanotechnology. (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01570-5
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