Neuro-electronic interfaces for high definition brain research and individualized treatment

The aim is to develop implantable “stealth technologies”, with minimal short- and long-term influence on brain tissue, to enable durable, high quality, high definition neuronal recordings and stimulation to treat brain disorders, specifically pain.Methods and timeline (Months): Pre-validated, highly biocompatible, neuro-electronic interface technologies will be optimized to achieve positionally stable, high quality neuronal recordings and minimally energy consuming stimulation in awake freely moving animals (Month 1-12).

Electrophysiological and histological methods will be used for evaluations.

To optimize spatiotemporal stimulation patterns, the periaqueductal gray/dorsal raphe nucleus will be mapped with respect to beneficial and adverse effects (M13-30).

Pain related behavior and cortical signaling, including changes reflecting the cardinal features of chronic pain, will be analyzed (M31-48).

Advanced software will be developed to control stimulation patterns, storage and statistical analysis of data collected (M1-48).Project organization: The team, led by the PI, includes researchers at Neuronano Research Center, LU, with expertise in pain research, neuro-engineering, neurophysiology and software development.Significance: The project will enable unprecedented scientific tools to decipher unperturbed authentic neuronal signaling in the brain and highly effective individualized clinical treatments with minimal side effects in currently intractable pain conditions.