Distributed and federated cross-modality actuation through advanced nanomaterials and neuromorphic learning

Introduction

A vast number of pathological brain conditions directly involve aberrant electrical activity of the brain. CROSSBRAIN centres its technological revolution on the convergence of novel nanoactuation modalities, bleeding-edge nano-electronics, and miniaturized wireless energy harvesting and communication.

Technology Overview

Combining extreme edge computing with advanced nanomaterials featuring tailored physical properties, biocompatible coatings, and material modifications to prevent glial scarring, CROSSBRAIN will enable individualized, adaptive, and highly spatiotemporally localized actuation of brain tissue.

Sensing and Modulation

It will leverage sensing electric local field potentials, multiunit neuronal activity, and cross-modal nanomaterial-based modulation (electrical, mechanical, thermal, ionic concentration, optogenetics) of neuronal excitability with on-board intelligence.

Platform Description

The CROSSBRAIN platform comprises a swarm of wireless, implantable, MRI-compatible microbots for in vivo electrophysiology and cross-modal neuromodulation at the cell- and microcircuit levels, in freely moving rodents.

Stimulation Modalities

CROSSBRAIN delivers a multiplicity of stimulation modalities, involving:

• Electro-mechano-magneto-thermo-optical principles for modulation of nerve cell excitability.

Microbot Features

The microbots will feature both sensing and actuation electrodes, engineered with nanomaterials and viral vector coatings. They will be implanted endovascularly, deliver genetic material upon command, and operate in federation under the networked control and wireless power supply by a tiny central unit, which can be worn like an Internet of Things device.

Functionality

CROSSBRAIN will deliver autonomous or manual, closed-loop sensing, prediction, and actuation through combining multiple neuromodulation mechanisms, which will act in a synergistic and dynamic manner to optimally shape stimulation according to individual neuronal firing patterns or clinicians' needs.

Case Studies

As case studies, we will explore CROSSBRAIN action in animal models of Parkinson's Disease and Epilepsy.