EGNITE, a Novel Graphene Derivative, has been Demonstrated to Enhance Neuroprostheses Performance

by Jose M Arcos

Collaborative research has shown that this material, developed by ICN2 scientists, is a promising option for creating a new generation of neuroprostheses to aid people with nervous system injuries in the future.

A study involving scientists in the ICN2 Advanced Electronic Materials and Devices Group, led by ICREA Prof. Jose Antonio Garrido, has recently been published in the journal Advanced Science, showing that EGNITE, a novel material derived from graphene, proved to be an excellent option for developing neuroprostheses with greater sensitivity in animal models. These findings open the door to its potential use in people with nervous system injuries or amputations. The research has been coordinated by scientists from the UAB Institut de Neurociències (INc-UAB).

How do neuroprostheses work?

Neuroprostheses are devices that aim to restore motor and sensory function to severely injured or amputee patients, thereby improving their quality of life. They work by connecting the patient's nervous system to a mechanical device that acts as a replacement for the amputated or injured limb. Neuroprostheses contain interfaces with electrodes that can stimulate the nerves to produce certain sensations in the patient and also record the motor signals to send them to the bionic device.

When designing neuroprostheses, the electrodes must be small to only interact electrically with a certain number of axons. Traditionally, these interfaces have been made from metal microelectrodes, but this study tested a new generation of neural interfaces made from EGNITE.

What are the benefits of using EGNITE?

EGNITE is a material developed by ICN2 scientists in collaboration with national and international partners. It is an innovative graphene-based neurotechnology with the potential to have a transformative impact on neuroscience and medical applications.

This research has analysed its biocompatibility in both laboratory (in vitro) and animal (in vivo) studies, demonstrating that it does not cause significant functional impairment or adverse effects. The body's response to these implants was similar to that observed with other materials previously used in neural interfaces.

The EGNITE devices were shown to promote muscle activation with approximately three times less electrical current than larger metal microelectrodes, highlighting them as a promising alternative. Using rats as an animal model, it has been shown that these electrodes implanted in the sciatic nerve can activate muscle for up to 60 days.

Although further studies are needed before they can be used in humans, these results demonstrate the great potential of this new material as part of neuroprostheses that allow patients to regain lost function.

Reference article:

Rodríguez-Meana, B; del Valle, J; Viana, D; Walston, ST; Ria, N; Masvidal-Codina, E; Garrido, JA; Navarro, X. (2024). Engineered Graphene Material Improves the Performance of Intraneural Peripheral Nerve Electrodes. Advanced Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202308689.