Overview

In even its simplest conceptualization, the human brain is the most complicated mechanism on the planet. Humans have yet to uncover most of its mysteries despite decades of intense study. Like most machines, errors can occur within the brain for various reasons and often result in demonstrable functional deficits or excesses. These deficits and excesses often inhibit a patient’s ability to function in the everyday world, and depending upon the disease, even tasks such as brushing one’s teeth or tying one’s shoes can become a challenge.

In hospitals across the country, research is being conducted to better understand the mechanisms of diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and depression through the systematic study of brain chemistry. NanoTechLabs, in conjunction with several commercial research partners, is developing miniaturized neural probes to monitor changes in levels of neurotransmitters or low molecular weight (< 5000 Da) chemicals in the brain. The nanomaterials composing NanoTechLabs’ sensors cause less scar tissue and stimulate neurons to grow 60 percent more fingerlike extensions (these extensions are needed to regenerate brain activity in damaged regions).

A variety of treatments has developed from the growing volume of research and can alleviate disease symptoms to varying degrees. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a technique much like a heart pacemaker that uses periodic electrical impulses to stimulate tissue. It has shown promise in recent clinical trials minimizing Parkinsonian symptoms, depression, and epileptic seizures in over half of the patients.

NanoTechLabs’ sensors are currently being developed as functional platforms for this treatment. Within a decade, one can imagine a world where patients suffering from localized neurological diseases are no longer removed to a world of deficit or excess, but through deep brain stimulation become empowered to live a normal life.

Applications

NanoTechLabs’ neural probes have several clinical applications including:

• Neurotransmitter sensing
• Deep brain stimulation platforms

Research Status