The Greater Manchester area is preparing for an innovative clinical trial this month, featuring the first brain implant ever made from graphene. Scientists at the National Graphene Institute are thrilled about the trial, as they believe it could change the way we connect the human brain to computers. This breakthrough could potentially lead to new treatments for conditions like Parkinson’s and strokes, as well as assist disabled individuals in translating their thoughts into actions or words.
Graphene, a material discovered at Manchester University two decades ago, has been generating a lot of buzz lately for its potential in various fields, including healthcare. A team at Salford Royal Hospital is getting ready to implant a flexible interface with 64 graphene electrodes into the brain of a patient undergoing neurosurgery to remove a glioblastoma tumor. This cutting-edge technology will allow surgeons to precisely monitor brain activity, enabling them to target the tumor while preserving healthy brain tissue.
Professor Kostas Kostarelos, who is leading the trial, explained that the primary goal is to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the graphene electrodes in eight to ten patients. The team will also evaluate the quality of the signals recorded by the implant and its ability to stimulate specific areas of the brain. InBrain, a neurotech company from Barcelona, collaborated with the University of Manchester and the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology to develop these implants.
Carolina Aguilar, the CEO of InBrain, shared that the next phase will involve clinical trials for a therapeutic implant designed to treat Parkinson’s disease. This device comprises two components – one that sits on the brain’s surface to interpret electrical activity, and another that is inserted into the brain to deliver precise stimulation to areas affected by Parkinson’s. By utilizing artificial intelligence, the device can learn from individual patients’ brain activity to provide personalized neurological therapy.
The implications of this groundbreaking brain implant trial are enormous, offering hope for individuals with neurological conditions and disabilities. The collaboration between research institutions and industry partners highlights the power of innovation and technology in advancing healthcare. As we await the results of this trial, the potential for graphene-based implants to revolutionize treatment approaches is truly exciting. Stay tuned for more updates on this pioneering research and its impact on the field of neurology.