Project Abstract
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The ReNaChip project is funded by the EC Framework 7
FET Programme in Bio-ICT Convergence.
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The objective of this project is to develop a full biohybrid
rehabilitation and substitution methodology; replacing the aged
cerebellar brain circuit with a biomimetic chip bidirectionally
interfaced to the inputs and outputs of the system. Information
processing will interface with the cerebellum to actuate a normal,
real-time functional behavioural recovery, providing a proof-of-concept
test for the functional rehabilitation of more complex neuronal systems.
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The model neuronal system we have chosen is the cerebellar
microcircuit involved in conditioning of the motor eyeblink response.
Localized experimental or clinical damage to this microcircuit disrupts
irreversibly the eyeblink conditioning while aging invariably
compromises the acquisition and retention of the eyeblink response.
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Using the aged rat as an experimental model we plan to integrate a
biomimetic chip to rehabilitate a discrete sensory-motor learning
function lost in the senescent cerebellar microcircuit, through the
development of multiple enabling technologies.
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We will develop novel electrodes to both detect the stimulus and
trigger the eyeblink response. The stimulus signals will be extracted
from background neuronal activity and undergo conditioning, processing
and interpretation in a silicon chip which mimics the function of the
deficient cerebellar circuit. The output from this biomimetic chip will
then trigger the eyeblink response by way of implanted stimulation
electrodes.
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Complete success would be achieved through real-time demonstration
of functional recovery of the lost motor learning response in aged rats.
Advances in any or all of the component technologies, their integration
and clinical implementation, and improved understanding of the neuronal
circuit would represent incomplete but valuable progress in the
treatment of deficient neuronal systems.
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