The MINIGRAPH consortium, funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and coordinated by ICN2, has created ultra-thin graphene neural interfaces, implantable electronic devices, and autonomous software. This system includes a minimally invasive robotic implantation procedure designed to enhance the precision and scalability of next-generation BCIs.
Taking Parkinson's disease (PD) as an initial case, the project has developed autonomous therapies that integrate precise recording of neuronal activity, interpretation of these signals, and targeted neuromodulation in response. This approach aims to overcome the limitations of current therapies like deep brain stimulation (DBS).
The consortium involved institutions such as imec, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), ETH Zurich, Nanoflex Robotics, and Palacký University Olomouc.
José A. Garrido, co-founder and chief scientific officer of INBRAIN, highlighted the importance of developing precise methods for implanting these devices, stating that "MINIGRAPH has brought together neural interface, smart electronics, autonomous software, and robotics into a single integrated system." The goal is to make autonomous neurotherapies more accessible on a large scale.
The new graphene-based neural interfaces surpass conventional metallic electrodes. INBRAIN's patented technology has demonstrated a projected stability of over 10 years in accelerated aging tests and has passed toxicity and biocompatibility studies.
The robotic implantation system, developed by Nanoflex Robotics and ETH Zurich, uses remote magnetic navigation to guide implants with sub-millimeter precision, even along curved trajectories. This procedure, validated in vitro and in vivo, could make neuronal implantation faster and more accessible.
The project has created an autonomous neuroelectronic therapeutic system by integrating graphene probes, implantable electronic components, neuromodulation software, and the robotic procedure. The long-term goal is to offer personalized therapies based on each patient's neuronal activity.
INBRAIN's participation in MINIGRAPH reinforces its commitment to precision therapies for neurological disorders based on graphene, integrating advances in materials science, microelectronics, robotics, software, and neuroscience.
