Translational research in organic neuroprosthetics

By: Prof. Diego Ghezzi, Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering, EPFL Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, Switzerland

Abstract: The Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering is a multidisciplinary environment promoting cross-fertilisation among a variety of expertise. We bring materials science, engineering, life science, and medicine together by the convergence of physicists, engineers, neuroscientists, and ophthalmologists cooperating to accomplish innovative projects. Our mission is to develop and implement application-driven solutions based on compliant, minimally invasive and replaceable neurotechnology for artificial vision and other neurological disorders. Ultimately, we aim at translating our research findings into clinical practice.

In this talk, I will introduce three projects running in our laboratory which aims at the clinical translation of devices based on organic functional materials.

First, I will present a photovoltaic retinal implant; second, I will introduce an optic nerve stimulator; third, I will show the use of conjugated polymers for transient neuroprosthetics. Ultimately I will discuss open challenges and future perspectives for these devices.

Introductory talk:  “Graphene-based Neural Interface Devices” by Dr Steven Walston Senior Postdoctoral Researcher at Advanced Electronic Materials and Devices Group at ICN2

Co-organised by ICN2 and the Nanomedicine Lab