Graphene Chip Brain Implant Could Help Parkinson’s Patients
A Barcelona-based startup, Inbrain Neuroelectronics, has developed a novel brain implant made of graphene, set for its first human test this summer. This brain-computer interface (BCI) records and transmits brain signals to a computer, intended for therapeutic use in neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
Graphene’s superior electrical conductivity and stability over metallic chips, which degrade due to Faradaic reactions with neural tissue, make it ideal for BCIs. The chip can inject significantly more charge without these reactions, maintaining effectiveness over millions of stimulation pulses. It is produced using traditional semiconductor technology, resulting in high-resolution, micrometric graphene dots for precise brain signal decoding and modulation.
The initial human test at the University of Manchester will involve using the chip during brain tumor resection to differentiate tumor tissue from functional brain areas, ensuring precise and safe removal. This approach aims to prove graphene’s safety and potential compared to existing metal technologies.
Inbrain’s system, granted Breakthrough Device Designation by the U.S. FDA, has shown promise in preclinical studies for Parkinson’s treatment. The chip can decode movement intentions and pathological biomarkers, optimizing drug regimens by reducing necessary doses and improving symptom targeting.
Overall, this graphene-based BCI technology holds potential for significant advancements in neurological treatments and patient quality of life.