SubsidieMeestersA Digitally-Enabled Electroconductive Patient-Specific Stimulation Implant for Spinal Cord Injury
This project aims to develop a patient-specific 3D-printed neuromodulation implant to enhance neuron regrowth and restore function in spinal cord injury patients through targeted electrical stimulation.
Projectdetails
Introduction
Spinal cord injury (SCI) can severely impact patients, impairing neurological function. The complex pathophysiology of SCI and the poor growth capacity of neurons results in a multi-faceted challenge to repair.
Economic Impact
Lifetime treatment costs for SCI patients can be as high as €2 million, and approximately 11,000 new spinal cord injuries occur every year in the EU.
Market Potential
Neuromodulation devices that provide controlled electrical stimuli to enable pain management and aid rehabilitation represent a growing medical device market, predicted to reach an €83 Bn value by 2030.
Project Proposal
This project proposes to combine electrical stimulation for the integration of neuromodulatory functionality with a tailored tissue-engineered device to enhance the regrowth of injured neurons and restore nerve function. It builds on the cutting-edge 3D-printing technologies developed during my ReCaP Advanced Grant in order to design a ground-breaking patient-specific implant for the targeted delivery of electrical stimulation to promote SCI repair.
Technological Approach
High-resolution imaging of individual patient spinal cord injuries will facilitate 3D printing of an electroconductive implant architecture, filled with a biomimetic regenerative and immunomodulatory biomaterial. This design will match both the gross lesion geometry as well as mimic key aspects of the injured spinal axonal tract anatomy.
Optimization of the Implant
The 3D-printed conductive architecture will be geometrically optimized to distribute externally delivered electrical stimulation to neurons throughout the injury, maximizing the therapeutic benefits of electrical stimulation.
Proof-of-Concept
To demonstrate proof-of-concept, DEEPSTIM will develop a prototype for preclinical testing in a rat model of SCI.
Collaboration and Future Development
The DEEPSTIM team will work with institutional commercialization teams and seek input from clinical experts to increase the technological readiness level of the platform. The ultimate aim is to form a spin-out company to further develop the technology towards clinical translation.
Financiële details & Tijdlijn
Financiële details
| Subsidiebedrag | € 150.000 |
| Totale projectbegroting | € 150.000 |
Tijdlijn
| Startdatum | 1-7-2025 |
| Einddatum | 31-12-2026 |
| Subsidiejaar | 2025 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELANDpenvoerder
Land(en)
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