Graphene Brain-on-a-Chip Platform for the Multiparametric Study of Neurodegenerative Disease

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Neurodegenerative diseases are a global health issue, and despite the situation being expected to worsen due to the ongoing demographic change, our understanding of the root causes remains significantly limited (as highlighted by more than 200 failed clinical trials to treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease). It is, therefore, crucial to drive our current research efforts further by providing novel technological approaches suitable to address the key challenges on a molecular and cellular level and, by that, further our understanding of these devastating conditions. Thanks to outstanding material properties such as high transparency and conductivity as well as recent advances in microfabrication, graphene-based devices have shown great potential to overcome the challenges of research technology and, by that, are expected to allow researchers to gain further insights into disease progressions on the cellular and molecular level. This project aims at the investigation of various disease conditions through the unique integration of fully transparent, graphene-based microelectrode arrays, super-resolution microscopy, and versatile micro-LEDs for targeted stimulation, and the cultivation of optogenetic-centred disease phenotypes for electrophysiological and optical quantifications. Following the initial fabrication of suitable graphene-based micro electrode arrays (GMEAs) in cleanroom environments, and their detailed analysis in terms of electrical capabilities as well as their complex interaction between the graphene interface and the nearby liquid environment, the project intends to combine this technology with state-of-the-art in-vitro disease models such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases in-vivo. The subsequent biological and biomedical investigations will focus on improving our understanding of the role of Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) proteins, which have recently been identified to be of substantial relevance in various neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS, as well as general ageing and the deterioration of health accordingly. The project is not only highly relevant in terms of neurodegeneration, by aiming at improving our understanding of these diseases on a molecular level through in-depth investigation capabilities, but also has the scope for promoting the testing and development of suitable drugs or treatments, while further contributing to the communities' efforts to promote the use of graphene devices for biomedical applications (commercialisation).