Blood-Brain Nexus-Chip-based Diagnostic Platform

by Hayder Amin.

The Blood-Brain Nexus project aimed to explore the influence of systemic factors on neuronal activity and develop a chip-based diagnostic platform for high-resolution, non-invasive monitoring of neural networks. By combining advanced CMOS biosensing technology with AI-driven analytical methods, the project sought to provide a scalable tool for studying neurophysiological processes, brain plasticity and functional connectivity.

Despite constraints in time and funding, significant progress was made. An in vitro model was successfully developed using human iPSC-derived neuronal networks cultured on high-density CMOS biosensors. Initial experiments confirmed that bloodborne factors modulate neuronal activity, while computational tools allowed for high-resolution mapping of neuronal connectivity and oscillations. These findings contributed to the identification of distinct activity patterns associated with systemic influences, paving the way for potential biomarker discovery in neurodegenerative diseases.

Additionally, the project established a translational framework for future diagnostic and therapeutic applications and initiated discussions with biotech industry partners. The results provided a strong foundation for commercialization and further research funding, including an application for the Go Bio Next program. Moving forward, the focus will be on refining the platform, validating biomarkers in larger datasets, and advancing toward preclinical applications in neurodegenerative disease research and therapeutics.