NeuroNanotech · Nanoplatforms for Neuroscience

NeuroNanotech will train eleven researchers to tackle one of the major challenges in Europe’s ageing population - neurological diseases.The ability to monitor and modulate neural activity using interfaces has enabled a better understanding of brain function and has led to therapeutic solutions for some neurological disorders. Yet, fundamental technological challenges, such as ensuring proper brain tissue interfacing and reliable long-term recording/stimulation after implantation, impede widespread clinical use. New approaches to provide effective treatments are urgently needed. NeuroNanotech will develop novel nanostructured flexible neural interfaces with highly improved tissue integration, minimizing foreign-body reactions and tissue scarring and allowing stable stimulation treatments. As main innovation, we will develop minimally invasive, ultra-sensitive spintronic magnetic sensors able to record stably without interfering with stimulation signals and avoiding electrode degradation. Connecting both interfaces, we will construct a low-invasive, closed-loop neurostimulation system that integrates feedback signals from the neural activity and provides real-time stimulation of the target structures according to the patient´s needs. To achieve these goals, NeuroNanotech brings together experts in nanotechnology, device engineering, neuroscience and clinical neurology. The individual research projects are highly interconnected, ensuring interdisciplinary training. Researchers will benefit from training in advanced research and relevant complementary skills, imparted by an international and intersectoral consortium of research institutes, universities, companies, hospitals and social organisations from 9 different countries. We will provide researchers a unique environment focused on innovation and collaboration, with a view to commercial applications of the research results. This framework will open researchers avenues in both academia and health-related industry.