Project Acronym: EPIGRAPH

 

ΔΡΑΣΗ ΕΘΝΙΚΗΣ ΕΜΒΕΛΕΙΑΣ:
«Ευρωπαϊκή Ε&Τ Συνεργασία - Πράξη Επιχορήγησης Ελληνικών φορέων 
που συμμετείχαν επιτυχώς σε Κοινές Προκηρύξεις Υποβολής Προτάσεων των Ευρωπαϊκών Δικτύων ERA-NETS»

 

Project Full Title: GRAPHene biomolecular and electrophysiological sensors integrated in an “all-in-one device” for the prediction and control of EPIleptic seizures(towards a general device for most brain disorders)

Starting Date: 29/01/2019 End Date: 28/01/2022

Brain function relies upon a complex, coordinated function of neurons, glial cells and blood vessels, which in neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease is disrupted. The EPIGRAPH project proposes the design and development of graphene biomolecular sensors, with graphene organic electronic ion pump (OEIP) neurotransmitter delivery, and electrophysiological electrodes integrated in an “all-in-one or single device/platform” for the prediction and control of epileptic seizures (towards a general intervention tool for most brain disorders). Specifically the main objectives are to: i) develop a graphene based biomolecular sensor for glucose and/or lactate detection using state-of-the-art laser processing techniques; ii) intervene pharmacologically to control brain activity via graphene-based OEIP electrophoretic drug delivery devices; iii) integrate the biomolecular sensor, the ion pump and the electrophysiological sensor into a single device that will enable combined electrophysiological and molecular measurements under in vitro/ex vivo (brain slice models) and in vivo environments (in situ animal model). The innovative function of this integrated single device is to provide treatment where and when it is needed. The “where” is provided by the local delivery made by the pump, and the “when” is provided by the molecular sensor if a predictive biomarker is found. EPIGRAPH will explore the potential of the device to provide local control of brain activity in vivo. A closed loop system will be developed that predicts and stops seizures in an animal model. Graphene provides an optimal foundation for this lab-on-a-chip as it provides flexibility, high-performance, bio-compatibility, etc. The addition of organic electronics provides a unique opportunity to add ion (and charged biomolecule) signalling to the bio-tech interface. In this project, we will address the current limitations in technology for interfacing with neural signalling using “organic neuroelectronics” – bioelectronic tools developed specifically for precise neurochemical interfacing – and provide more profound understanding of neural dynamics and better therapies for neurological disorders. The main challenge of such technology is to be able to generalize this device to a variety of brain disorders, to measure and intervene on brain function where and when it is necessary.

EPIGRAPH, a high-throughput medical device, will have a broad impact on different disciplines such as Neuroscience, Pharmaceutics, Bioelectronics, and Biomedical devices and also on the rapidly developing fields of biosensors, bioelectronics and GRMs. EPIGRAPH directly addresses the Flagship topic of Graphene-Applied Research and Innovation and in particular the specific area of 9. GRM based bioelectronics technologies. It is foreseen to fit with the scope of Work Packages 5 (on Biomedical Technologies) and WP6 (on Biosensors) of the Graphene Flagship Core Project.

Project Members:

Dr. Emmanuel Stratakis

Dr. Maria Pervolaraki

Dr. Kyriaki Savva

Dr. Abdus Salam Sarkar

Ms. Athanasia Pylostomou

Partners:

Linköping University, Department of Science and Technology, Sweden

Aix-Marseille Université UMR INSERM 1106, INS – Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, France

RISE SICS AB, Sweden