Research Projects

GraphRetina

The long-term goal of the GraphRetina project is to produce a new generation of retinal prosthesis for patients with retinal degeneration with a higher quality and more useful visual experience compared to that achieved by current artificial vision technology. The short-term objective is to advance in the exploration of novel methodologies to improve focal stimulation with graphene-based electrodes and to generate the first prototype of the retinal microelectrode array (MEA) that can be implanted into an animal model as a proof of concept (PoC) of our long-term vision.

The scientific and technology goals of this project are:

1. Optimization of in vivo gene transfection, retina excision and retina preparation
2. Improvement of focal stimulation with microelectrodes
3. Integration of electronics for multichannel stimulation and recording
4. Design and fabrication of a PoC flexible MEA device with graphene-based electrodes
5. In vivo assessment of implants in a large animal model, monitoring the mechanical stability of the device in the eye and its interaction with the neural tissue

GRAPHCAT : The Graphene Community Of Catalonia