The overall objective of the Move2Treat project is to i) develop a completely new theory on motor system and ii) develop a novel biocompatible, wireless and multifunctional neural device using a scalable thermal drawing process and advanced FSL fabrication techniques; the device is applied to the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. The specific objectives are defined and start first from the development of the interface:
Optoelectronic fibre design
Develop a biocompatible minimally invasive optoelectronic fiber using low Young’s modulus thermoplastic polymers to reduce brain FBR towards chronic implantation. .
Thermal-drawing process
Develop the fibre to simultaneously stimulate, deliver fluids and record brain/spine activity by integrating: i) a waveguide supporting light delivery in the visible and infrared spectral regions for optogenetics and INS, ii) metal electrodes to record neuronal action potentials, iii) microfluidic channels for on-demand fluid/drug delivery.
Monolithic sensing elements using direct FSL inscription
Demonstrate real-time localized temperature measurement of brain tissue during optogenetics and INS to avoid neuronal damaging. Demostration of inscribed fiber Bragg grating temperature sensor at the fiber tip.
Oestergaard 2014
Neural interface integration and development
Develop a wireless, miniaturized, modular platform that reliably links the external parts to the implanted multimodal fiber.
Proof-of-concept in animals
Introduce a new theory on explaining movement dynamics in the brain-spinal cord as a single “system” followed by in vivo validation.
