Next-Generation Graphene Electrodes to Enhance Brain Stimulation and Recording

by Chema Arcos

Researchers at ICN2 have developed flexible graphene oxide microelectrodes capable of detecting and precisely modulating neural activity. These findings could have a significant impact on the future treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a medical technique that uses electrodes to modulate brain activity through electric signals. This approach has shown significant benefits in treating conditions such as major depression or Parkinson's disease, helping to reduce symptoms such as tremors. However, there are still major challenges to its widespread use, particularly in making the procedure less invasive and more precise.

In this context, scientists at ICN2 have developed new flexible electrodes based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO), which has been shown to be highly effective in brain stimulation. These electrodes were successfully tested on rats with Parkinson's disease. The study, which has as main contributors researchers from the University of Manchester and ICN2, such as first-author Nicola Ria (ICN2 Advanced Electronic Materials and Devices Group) and leading authors ICREA Prof. Jose A. Garrido and ICREA Prof. Kostas Kostarelos, has been published in Nature Communications.

The researchers implanted a flexible array of rGO electrodes into a region of the rat brain known as the subthalamic nucleus. Thanks to their small size (25 µm in diameter) and high-resolution capability, these microelectrodes were able to record neural signals with excellent precision. This makes it possible to track the biological characteristics that tell us how the disease is progressing (biomarkers).

In addition, these devices allow precise stimulation of specific regions of the brain. This opens the door to the future development of more effective and personalised DBS treatments for human patients.

Although significant challenges remain before this technology can be applied to humans, these findings represent a major step forward in the development of advanced neural interfaces. ICN2 has established itself as a global leader in this field, driving the development of more precise and less invasive therapies for neurological disorders.

Reference article:

Ria, N; Eladly, A; Masvidal-Codina, E; Illa, X; Guimerà, A; Hills, K; Garcia-Cortadella, R; Duvan, FT; Flaherty, SM; Prokop, M; Wykes, RC; Kostarelos, K; Garrido, JA. Flexible graphene-based neurotechnology for high-precision deep brain mapping and neuromodulation in Parkinsonian rats. Nature Communications. (2025). 16:2891. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58156-z.