Implantable device could limit seizures

Wednesday February 15th 2023

New implantable devices have been developed to monitor the brain for epileptic seizures, researchers in Glasgow have announced.

The implantable ‘microbots’ are made of advanced nanomaterials a fraction of a millimetre in size, and controlled by a small, wearable control unit.

The wearer can monitor its electrical activity and detect the onset of a seizure, which can be limited using targeted neurostimulation.

Professor Hadi Heidari, of the University of Glasgow, UK, is contributing to the 'CROSSBRAIN' project.

He said: “We’re pleased to be part of this ambitious project, which has the potential to pave the way for transformative treatments for pathological brain conditions like epilepsy.

“CROSSBRAIN brings together leading researchers from across Europe, with a wide range of expertise in bioengineering, artificial intelligence, nanomaterial design and fabrication, and medical physics.

"I’m looking forward to collaborating with my colleagues to develop this exciting technology in the years to come.”

The microbots will be developed further over the next four years, allowing them to deliver genetic material on command, in addition to the cell- and microcircuit-level neuromodulation.

Principal investigator on the project is Professor Nicola Toschi at the Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy.

“Within brain tissue, neurons communicate through a complex interplay of signalling mechanisms, including chemical, thermal, and electrical (depolarisation / repolarisation) changes," he said.

"It is widely known that many pathological brain conditions directly involve aberrant electrical activity of the brain, such as epileptic seizures or panic disorders.

"In such conditions, timely recognition and prompt intervention are essential to begin effective periodic and adaptive treatment.

"However, the technologies available to guide and modulate brain activity in a precise and selective way for therapeutic purposes are severely limited to date.

"Innovation in the field of nanomaterials provides the opportunity to modulate neuronal activity with greater precision and sensitivity."

Tags: Brain & Neurology | UK News

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