NEONS

Brain stimulation or neuromodulation is a promising therapeutic tool for the treatment of many neuro-psychiatric conditions (epilepsy, chronic pain, stroke, depression, etc.). Its success is currently limited by its invasiveness and its lack of precision. Indeed, current stimulation approaches reach entire areas of the brain without specificity for neural networks. Non-invasive stimulation targeting specific brain circuits is therefore a major scientific and medical issue. This project aims to combine 3 cutting-edge techniques to design a technology for the non-invasive neuromodulation of targeted neural networks and mechanisms. We will develop an innovative toolbox system, combining synthetic chemistry for the development of fluorescent organic nanoparticles, optogenetics and a brain-machine interface for real-time stimulation. Fluorescent organic nanoparticles will convert extracerebral infrared light waves into visible light capable of activating neural circuits that selectively express an opsin. Closed-loop stimulation, as a function of real time brain activity, will add to the targeting of neural circuits, that of their specific mechanisms. Precision non-invasive neuromodulation and the synthesis of organic compounds for infrared-to-visible photo-conversion are areas of cutting-edge research. Based on clear and convincing preliminary results, we are proposing a research project to initiate the resolution of these two scientific challenges. Our results will strongly contribute to the development of disruptive technology for chemical and biological sciences as well as medicine.