Nanocrystal Optoelectronic Implant for Optic Nerve Regeneration

Objective

Optic nerve damage is a major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, yet no treatment currently exists to repair it. Electrical stimulation has been shown to promote neuronal regeneration, and non-invasive approaches such as transcorneal electrical stimulation and transorbital alternating current stimulation have demonstrated measurable improvements in visual fields, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity. However, their shallow current penetration and non-selective activation of surrounding tissues have resulted in limited and variable outcomes. This proof-of-concept project will translate our ERC-funded advances in nanocrystal optoelectronic biointerfaces into a wireless, battery-free, and flexible implant for optic nerve regeneration. The implant will be ultra-thin, compact, and capable of converting near-infrared light into localized capacitive photocurrents to selectively stimulate the optic nerve. The project has four objectives: (1) fabricate a flexible, efficient, and infrared-responsive optoelectronic implant prototype; (2) validate safety and tolerability through accelerated aging, in vitro biocompatibility, and in vivo histology; (3) demonstrate efficacy in a rat optic nerve injury model; and (4) secure intellectual property, define a commercialization roadmap, and prepare an EIC Transition proposal. By integrating prototype engineering, in-vivo validation, and exploitation planning, this project will provide the first evidence that optoelectronics implants can promote optic nerve regeneration and establish a clear pathway toward clinical translation.