Advanced Brain Sensors for Understanding Neurological Conditions
Official title: Dual-function Carbon Modified-Silicon Microelectrodes for Biomolecule Detection with Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry and Electrophysiology Recording and Stimulation
Funded at Spike Neuro LLC · NIH-11141067 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is creating tiny new sensors that can measure both electrical signals and chemical changes in the brain at the same time, which could help us better understand and treat conditions like Parkinson's disease and depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Spike Neuro LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | July 18, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $496,475 |
| NIH project number | 5R41MH139088-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141067 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This project is developing a new tool, so it does not directly involve patient participation, but its future applications are intended for individuals with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, depression, and drug abuse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose conditions are not related to brain neurochemical or electrophysiological function may not directly benefit from this specific technology.
What this research studies
Our brains use both electrical signals and chemical messengers to function, but current tools usually only measure one or the other. This project aims to develop special microelectrodes that can record both types of activity simultaneously. By combining these measurements, we hope to get a much clearer picture of how neurological disorders affect the brain. This new technology could lead to more precise ways to diagnose and treat conditions like Parkinson's disease, depression, and drug abuse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could provide doctors and researchers with a more complete understanding of brain function, leading to improved treatments and therapies for various neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Dr. Zestos has already shown success in developing carbon-based microelectrodes for detecting multiple neurotransmitters and integrating this with electrophysiology, providing a strong foundation for this advanced tool.
Where this research is happening
-
Spike Neuro LLC
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zestos, Alexandros George — Spike Neuro LLC
- Study coordinator: Zestos, Alexandros George
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.