In 2004, a groundbreaking discovery was made at the University of Manchester in England when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov isolated graphene for the first time. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a flat form, is not only the thinnest known material but also one of the strongest. This wonder material earned Geim and Novoselov a Nobel Prize in physics in 2010, and now, after two decades of research and development, graphene is finally being tested on human brains.
Graphene has found its way into various applications such as batteries, sensors, semiconductors, air conditioners, and even headphones. Today, graphene is being used in a new and innovative way as a brain implant. Surgeons at the University of Manchester recently conducted a human trial where they temporarily placed a thin implant made of graphene on a patient’s cortex—the outermost layer of the brain. Developed by the Spanish company InBrain Neuroelectronics, this technology is a brain-computer interface designed to collect and decode brain signals, paving the way for potential advancements in treating various neurological disorders.
Breakthrough in Brain Mapping and Treatment
Carolina Aguilar, CEO and co-founder of InBrain, stated that their goal is to develop a commercial product capable of brain decoding and mapping to address a range of disorders. One of the key applications of brain mapping is in assisting surgeons during brain surgeries, where electrodes are placed on the brain to identify critical areas such as motor and speech functions. By differentiating between healthy and cancerous brain tissue with micrometer-scale precision, the InBrain device showcased its potential in enhancing surgical procedures and improving patient outcomes.
The University of Manchester is spearheading the first-in-human study of the graphene brain implant, funded by the European Commission’s Graphene Flagship project. This study aims to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of graphene in direct contact with the human brain. Dr. David Coope, the neurosurgeon who performed the procedure, highlighted the flexibility of the InBrain device compared to conventional electrodes, allowing it to conform better to the brain’s surface. This flexibility opens up possibilities for placing the implant in challenging locations that were previously inaccessible with traditional electrodes.
Advancements in Neurological Treatment
While deep brain stimulation (DBS) using metal electrodes is already an approved treatment for conditions like Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy, there are limitations to its effectiveness and longevity. InBrain’s graphene-based device offers a more flexible and durable alternative to metal electrodes, providing higher conductivity without the risk of oxidation or degradation over time. The company’s innovative approach of combining surface and penetrating electrodes for brain stimulation holds promise for enhancing treatment outcomes and reducing the need for repeated surgeries in patients with neurological disorders.
Christina Tringides, an assistant professor in materials science and nanoengineering at Rice University, emphasized the drawbacks of using metal electrodes in the brain due to their rigidity and potential for causing inflammation. In contrast, graphene’s properties as an excellent conductor with high durability make it an ideal candidate for brain implants. InBrain’s device, with its 48 tiny decoding graphene electrodes, offers precise brain mapping capabilities and the potential for tailored electrical stimulation to address specific neurological conditions.
InBrain’s vision extends beyond treating Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy, with plans to explore applications for stroke and epilepsy patients in the future. By harnessing the power of graphene in developing advanced brain-computer interfaces, the company aims to revolutionize neurological treatment and improve the quality of life for patients with various conditions. The integration of multiple electrodes in their devices enables comprehensive data collection from the brain, leading to more accurate diagnostics and personalized treatment approaches.
Future Prospects and Challenges
As InBrain progresses with its safety study and evaluates the effectiveness of its graphene brain implant, the field of neurotechnology is poised for significant advancements. The unique properties of graphene offer a promising alternative to traditional metal electrodes, with the potential to revolutionize how neurological disorders are diagnosed and treated. By leveraging graphene’s conductivity and durability, researchers and clinicians can explore new avenues for enhancing brain stimulation and mapping techniques, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and quality of life.
In conclusion, the successful human trial of the graphene brain implant marks a significant milestone in the field of neurotechnology, showcasing the potential of advanced materials like graphene in revolutionizing neurological treatment. With ongoing research and development efforts, companies like InBrain are at the forefront of innovation, driving towards a future where brain-computer interfaces and advanced implants offer new hope for patients with various neurological conditions. As technology continues to evolve, the intersection of neuroscience and materials science holds immense promise for improving the understanding and treatment of complex brain disorders.
