"Towards new generation of neuro-implantable devices: engineering NEUROn/carbon NANOtubes integrated functional units"

Neuron grown on a CNT layer. Courtesy of Campidelli, Prato & Ballerini

The NEURONANO is an advanced scientific multi-disciplinary project to develop neuronal nano-engineering by integrating Neuroscience with Materials Science, Nano and Microtechnology. 

The NEURONANO network major aim is to  integrate carbon nanotubes (CNT) with multielectrode array (MEA) technology to develop a new generation biochips to help repair damaged central nervous system (CNS) tissues.

The impact of carbon nanotubes on multielectrode array (MEA) technology and therefore on neuro-implant technology represents an advanced goal on CNS Nanoengineering. The carbon nanotubes functionalized with neuronal networks is the key of NEURONANO project. 

The specific interest is in understanding how the components underlying electrical activity are organized when implemented with conductive substrates, and how this organization changes in the presence of molecular cues or chronic stimulations.