INCA-NANEP · INterfacing CArbon-based NAnomaterials to neurons: toward new horizons in cellular NEuroProsthetics

INterfacing CArbon-based NAnomaterials to neurons: toward new horizons in cellular NEuroProsthetics

Grant Agreement number: 328214 Project acronym: INCA-NANEP Project title: INterfacing CArbon-based NAnomaterials to neurons: toward new horizons in cellular NEuroProsthetics Funding Scheme: FP7-MC-IEF Period covered: 01/11/2013 - 31/10/2015 Name, title and organisation of the scientist in charge of the project's coordinator: Prof. Michele Giugliano UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN Tel: +3232652616 Fax: +3232652669 E-mail: Michele.Giugliano@uantwerpen.be Context and motivations Understanding the complex phenomena underlying specific brain functions has always been a challenge for neuroscientists. Recently, thanks to the new discoveries in the field of Material Sciences, researchers could take advantage of nanotechnology, which allow studying the brain on its own scale because “the brain has always been nano” (P. Weiss, UCLA, personal communication). Micro-/nano- structured materials display in fact intriguing similarities with the (sub)cellular organization of CNS, and this drove researchers to investigate the possible use of these materials for the development of micro and nanosized sensing/actuating technologies, ultimately capable of functional interfacing with brain tissue and nerve cells. Among novel micro-/nano-materials, Carbon-based ones raised significant interest in Neuroscience as promising smart materials for future neuroprosthetics devices, and their properties and applications were investigated for their relevance (i) for building both nanoscale electrodes, to probe and stimulate the electrical activity of individual neurons, and physical nanostructured substrates for neuronal growth and regeneration, and (ii) as new labels for cellular imaging. It is in this extremely interdisciplinary context that this INCA-NANEP project was designed, with the aim of studying and characterize the interactions occurring between C-based nanomaterials and neuronal networks, to pave the way to the foundation of a new class of investigating tools, regenerative implants and smart electronics in Deep Brain Stimulation therapies. Brief summary of project objectives The main scientific objectives of INCA-NANEP included: • the investigation on the best synthesis and functionalization techniques for the foreseen biological applications of C-based nanomaterials, as well as their physico-chemical characterization; • the evaluation of the biocompatibility of these C-based nanomaterials; • the quantitative understanding of the electrophysiology of neuronal networks, coupled to active nanostructured materials. The main training objectives were: • consolidate the fellow’s previous knowledge in the field of nanotechnology; • train the fellow in in vitro (electro)physiological techniques; • involve actively the fellow in both scientific and administrative management of the project Achieved results Both scientific and training objectives were achieved during this two-years fellowship: • C-based nanomaterials were deeply characterized for the foreseen biological application; • Biocompatibility of these materials was proven, and their coupling with neuronal networks was studied by means of electrophysiological techniques, partially confirming previous results; • 2 papers were published and others are currently under preparation; • Results of INCA-NANEP have been presented in 7 international conferences and meetings; • Several collaborations have been established, leading to preparation of new scientific proposals to attract new funding (AXA, FWO, FNRS, H2020) Developing this project has thus offered to the fellow unique opportunities, both in terms of deepening her expertise in nanotechnology, broadening her knowledge on their applications in neurosciences, and in terms of career-development, in line with the objectives of Marie Curie Actions.

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