The first domestic implantable neurostimulator
A research team from MIET won a grant from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia to carry out major scientific projects in scientific priority areas. During the project, the foundation will be created for the development of the first domestic implantable biofeedback neurostimulator.
"During the research, we plan to obtain the first samples of a device for suppressing the transmission of pain signals to the brain, which is extremely relevant for rehabilitation in the treatment of chronic pain, including those with various spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries," says Sergey Gavrilov, scientific director of the project, Vice–rector for Research at MIET.
The project "Microelectronic technologies for the formation of multi-scale implantable neural interfaces of living-technical systems for controlling the transmission of pain signals to the brain" will be implemented by a joint team of leading MIET scientists in the field of microelectronics and implantable medical devices from the Institutes of BMS, MCS, AMT, NMT and other divisions.
The partner and co-executor of the project is the Almazov National Medical Research Center, a leading scientific and medical center, which has already successfully conducted research and clinical trials of spinal cord stimulation. In September 2023, during the visit to the Almazov Center, the rector of MIET Vladimir Bespalov and the General director of the Center Yevgeny Shlyakhto signed an agreement on cooperation in the development of implantable medical devices.
During the project, an interdisciplinary basis of fundamental knowledge will be created for the development of the first domestic implantable neurostimulator. Scientific results have been obtained on the mechanisms and patterns of multi-scale formation of microelectronic technologies at nano-, micro-, macro-levels of neurointerfaces of living-technical systems for controlling the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Then the scientists will develop an experimental sample of an implantable neurostimulator with biological feedbacks based on biocompatible composite nanomaterials with wireless communications and energy supply, using trusted electronics methods and based on a domestic electronic component base.
It is expected to receive results corresponding to the advanced level of research on electrical brain stimulation in the European Union, carried out under the Horizon 2020 program (an international research project on non-invasive electrical brain stimulation coordinated by Neuroelectrics, which involves universities and research companies from Spain, Germany, Sweden, Italy and the USA), as well as research carried out under the the leadership of Elon Musk by Neuralink in the USA in the field of neurointerfaces of living-technical systems based on microelectronic technologies, including the transmission control of pain signals.
The global market for neurostimulators (or neuromodulators) is increasing by 10% annually and will reach $10 billion by 2027. The Russian segment of this market, which amounted to 2.5 billion rubles in 2023, is expected to grow to 4.0 billion rubles in 2030. At the same time, there are currently no domestic suppliers of such products.
The project is designed until the end of 2026, during this time it is planned:
- To conduct research on the mechanisms and patterns of multi-scale formation by microelectronic technologies at the nano-, micro-, macro-levels of neurointerfaces of living-technical systems, their physico–chemical properties that determine bioelectronic control, i.e. blocking by electrical impulses the transmission of pain signals through the natural nervous system of the spinal cord to the brain in order to suppress pain;
- Create digital counterparts of neurostimulators;
- Design implantable neurostimulators, manufacture experimental samples, conduct research on laboratory animals and biocompatibility.
At the end of the project, an experimental design work on the creation of domestic implantable neurostimulators will be carried out. The continuation should be the mass production of such devices in Russia, which will act as one of the development areas of the domestic rehabilitation industry.