New technology for detecting brain chemicals and electrical activity at the same time
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-10918896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new device that can measure brain chemicals and electrical activity at the same time, which could help us understand and treat conditions like Parkinson's disease and depression better.
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, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $491,579 |
| NIH project number | 1R41MH139088-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, depression, or those affected by drug abuse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological disorders that do not involve neurotransmitter imbalances or electrical activity changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced microelectrodes that can simultaneously measure both neurochemical signals and electrical activity in the brain. By using a technique called Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry, the researchers aim to create a device that can detect multiple neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, while also recording electrical signals from neurons. This dual-function approach could lead to better understanding and treatment of neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease and depression. The project is led by Dr. Alexandros Zestos at SPIKE NEURO LLC in Ann Arbor, where innovative carbon-based materials are being utilized to enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of these measurements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment options for patients with neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar dual-function technologies for neurochemical and electrophysiological measurements, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
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.