Northwestern University

From enhancing mobility and motor function to improving sensory capabilities, brain-computer interfaces (BCI) can expand our human capabilities by enabling seamless communication, improving cognitive functions, and accelerating the development of medical treatments. However, current fundamental limitations with current invasive and non-invasive technologies suggest that for consumer-grade BCI to become ubiquitous, new technologies need to be developed and validated. In order to realize the fullest potential of BCI, we need a system that 1) transmits data wirelessly 2) does not rely on surgical installation 3) maintains the proximal contact between nerve tissue and material required for efficient transfer of energy and information, and 4) can both stimulate and record neural activity (or bidirectional capabilities). To bridge the gap between invasive and non-invasive technologies, nanoscale materials, such as biocompatible nanoparticles, provide a promising alternative, allowing us to design materials at the scale of cellular systems and structures. Nanoparticles: A novel approach to BCI Healthcare Using Data to Help Healthcare Practices Succeed A new report from Relatient, A Data-Driven Guide to Patient Access Succes, highlights how focusing on data accuracy and relevance can enhance the performance of healthcare practices. By Relatient The use of nanomaterials, such as conducting polymers or graphene, to improve implanted electrodes has been the focus of extensive research, but ultimately, these materials still must enter the brain surgically. For a technology to access brain tissue with the minimum possible intervention, one must design components at the scale of cells themselves. Due to their small size (<100 nm) nanoparticles are capable of intimate interaction with nerve tissue and are capable of entering the brain via minimally invasive pathways, including intravenous and intranasal routes through the blood-brain barrier. Nanoparticles are also amenable to multifaceted design. The particles themselves are large enough to have intrinsic material properties beyond their primary chemical composition, such as piezoelectric effect, but are small enough for surface functionalization with small molecules or biomolecules to play a significant role in their behavior in biological systems. These properties allow for the rational design of nanoantenna which can intermediate signals into and out of the brain and build technologies to serve as the foundation for future generations of BCI. Neural modulation with nanoparticles Using nanoparticles as antennae in the brain is a concept that has enjoyed extensive study in academic laboratories over the past 15 years. The vast majority of this work has focused on using nanoparticles for neuromodulation. While some results have been obtained using ultrasound or light to stimulate these particles, overwhelmingly the signal type of choice, given its relatively high tissue transparency, has been magnetic. There have been early results focused on magnetothermal or magnetomechanical mechanisms to excite neurons, but the most promising results have been obtained with magnetoelectric nanoparticles. These materials convert a general magnetic field into a highly localized electric field which can, in turn, activate neurons, and thus provide a promising platform for therapeutic stimulation and ultimately high fidelity transmission of information into the brain. Exclusive Improving the Healthcare Financial Experience to Help Care Flow Zelis CEO Amanda Eisel shares her perspective on how the company is solving the problems of a fragmented health financial system to benefit all. By Stephanie Baum Magnetoelectric nanoparticles function via a multi-layer core-shell design, consisting of a magnetorestrictive core covered with a piezoelectric shell. In the presence of a magnetic field, the core deforms, which in turn deforms the shell, and creates a local electric field via the piezoelectric effect. The efficiency of this effect can be tuned by changing the size, shape, composition, and layer coupling of the particles. Several groups have already introduced these materials into the brains of mice and primates. Kozielski and Anikeeva have demonstrated deep brain stimulation on wild type mice in rotorod, three chamber, and rotational tests, with comparable results to implanted electrodes and better biosafety profiles. Khizroev and Kaushik have demonstrated the ability for these particles to enter the brain through the blood-brain barrier or intranasally and to be localized in the brain with applied magnetic fields. Each of these studies has demonstrated the biocompatibility of these materials in vitro and in vivo. Thus all the components of our ideal system are accounted for; magnetoelectric nanoparticles can enter the brain non-surgically, be localized, and stimulate critical areas in a safe and efficient manner. What remains in further proving the concept is further optimizing the efficiency of the magnetoelectric effect and biological interaction of these materials. All of the pieces are present, and so the time is now right to begin the translational research to bring these materials into BCI and broader bioelectronic medicine. Neural reading with nanoparticles Of primary importance in design criteria is the bidirectionality of future BCI systems. This can be accomplished with implanted electrode arrays but is difficult to implement with fully non-invasive systems. With nanoparticles, neural stimulation is more straightforward than neural reading given that an externally powered signal is being used. For neural reading, signal detection methods must either be extremely precise or particles need to be powered in situ for efficient signal transduction. This poses significant design challenges, and so the field is less mature, but some intriguing theoretical work has been published which beckons for further development. Due to the aforementioned energetic limitations, the signal transduction mechanism for neural reading with nanoparticles must have a very low background interference. From a practical standpoint, then, the most promising candidates are magnetic fields and near-infrared light. From the perspective of magnetic signal transduction, Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) is a technique that uses nonlinear magnetization properties of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to image neural tissue dynamically, including neural injury and blood flow. With magnetoelectric nanoparticles, MPI could image neural activity directly via a reversed mechanism from the one used for neural stimulation: changes in the local electric fields from neuronal activity change the shape and thus magnetic properties of the particles. The potential of these materials to function in this way with realistic neural electric activity has been confirmed in simulation by both the Khizroev and Hai groups but has not yet been realized experimentally. These are promising theoretical results, and with validation in vitro and in vivo, and miniaturization of MPI technology, magnetoelectric nanoparticles could serve as single component antennae for bidirectional BCI. The other option for tissue transparency is near-infrared light. Near-infrared light is used to monitor neural activity in functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRs) by measuring hemodynamic activity via hemoglobin absorption. The primary limitation of this technique is its lack of temporal resolution due to reliance on fluid movement. Using light to read neural activity directly has been explored as part of optogenetics, a field that has revolutionized our understanding of brain and neural function, but as a translational BCI technology is limited by the requirement for genetic modification of the subject. Here again, nanoparticles may provide the pathway to realizing a faster form of NIR neural activity imaging. Early work in this field focused on electrochromic quantum dots, but concerns over signal-to-noise ratio and material toxicity have limited this approach. Using plasmonic Gold/PEDOT: PSS nanoparticles, the Yanik group has shown, in simulation, that an electrochromic response can be obtained in the NIR-II region (1000-1700 nm) in which tissue has sufficient transparency for cortical imaging. This mechanism relies on electrochromic plasmonic scattering, and is thus, in effect, externally powered. While these results are, as of yet, in silico the group has demonstrated a comparable effect on Gold/PEDOT: PSS surfaces, which allowed subcellular mapping of cardiomyocyte electrical activity. Given two potential avenues of recording neural activity with nanoparticles, experimental success in this field could help bring about a new era in BCI. The future of nanoparticle technology in BCI There is little doubt that in the next 5-10 years, we will be treated with an ever-growing number of examples of how BCI and related technologies can transform the way we live. Every month brings with it new patients with implanted BCIs and their stories of abilities restored and quality of life and independence improved. For non-invasive approaches, new applications for EEG and fNIRs are continuously being developed and will help us optimize our health and detect and diagnose diseases earlier. Yet, beyond this time horizon, the broader adoption of BCI will require fundamental advances in its fundamental mechanisms and the development of technologies that provide high-fidelity transmission of information between mind and machine with limited installation. Nanoparticles can be instrumental in realizing this future and bringing the unlimited possibilities of BCI into everyday life. Photo credit: DrAfter123, Getty Images Alexandra Karpman, Scott Meek and Uri MagaramAlexandra Karpman is the Head of Product at Subsense, with over 11 years of experience in brain-computer interface (BCI) development and 6 years in biomedical product management. She holds a master’s degree in Neuroscience, focused on neurorehabilitation and restoring motor impairment after stroke. Alexandra began her career as a neuroscientist in startups developing products for industries like pharmaceutical, banking, and marketing. In 2022, Alexandra joined Subsense as Head of Neuroscience, helping shape the company’s vision, roadmap, and scientific advisory board. A year later, as Head of Product, she established partnerships with experts from institutions like UCSC, Harvard, Stanford, and ETH Zurich from scratch and secured seed funding, driving Subsense’s growth. Her expertise spans product vision, market strategy, and managing cross-functional teams. At Subsense, Alexandra applies her deep experience in BCI, healthcare, and startups to advance non-surgical brain-computer interface technologies.Dr. Scott Meek is the Head of R&D at Subsense and has spent the last 20 years developing new materials and sensors in academia, government labs, and biotech startups. After a B.A. in Chemistry from Dartmouth College, Dr. Meek completed his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at MIT in the research group of Tim Swager. His doctoral research focused on the design and synthesis of a new class of near-infrared fluorescent probes to detect beta-amyloid plaques. He moved on to Sandia National Labs as a postdoctoral fellow where he developed new nanoporous materials for gas and radiation sensing applications. At Subsense, he is delighted to bring together all of his experience in chemistry, materials science, multicomponent medical device, and product development to build the ultimate biosensor.Dr. Uri Magaram is an Experimental Applications Scientist at Subsense, focusing on developing non-invasive, nanoparticle-based brain-computer interfaces. He earned his B.A. in Integrated Science and Mathematics from Northwestern University, where he conducted in vivo and slice electrophysiology research in zebrafish and mice under Drs. Indira Raman and David McLean. This experience deepened his passion for neuroscience, leading him to pursue a Ph.D. in Neurosciences at the University of California, San Diego, in Dr. Sreekanth Chalasani's lab. At the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Dr. Magaram advanced sonogenetics—a technique combining ultrasound and genetic engineering to control neural circuits—through comprehensive research from materials engineering to in vivo experiments in C. elegans and mice. He co-founded SonoBac, aiming to enhance biomanufacturing via sonogenetics, and served as Chief Scientific Officer for two years before joining Subsense to further his commitment to neurotechnology and brain research.This post appears through the MedCity Influencers program. Anyone can publish their perspective on business and innovation in healthcare on MedCity News through MedCity Influencers. Click here to find out how.

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Rehab Neural Engineering Labs (RNEL) say they helped advance new neuroprosthetic brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. The BCI technology could enable people to feel the shape and movement of objects over the “skin” of a bionic hand. Researchers published their study findings in Nature Biomedical Engineering and Science. The outcomes demonstrate the progress of a technology designed to recreate realistic tactile feedback to prosthetic hands by direct, carefully timed electrical stimulation of the brain. Researchers from the University of Chicago lead the group. It also includes scientists and engineers at Northwestern University, Case Western Reserve University and BCI maker Blackrock Neurotech. The University of Pittsburgh RNEL have teamed up before on BCI work, working on a BCI for remote trials back in 2022. Together, the scientists and engineers are designing, building, implementing and refining BCI devices and robotic prosthetic arms. These technologies could restore both movement control and sensation in those who lost significant limb function. “We hope to integrate the results of these two studies into our robotics systems, where we have already shown that even simple stimulation strategies can improve people’s abilities to control robotic arms with their brains,” said co-author Robert Gaunt, associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation and lead of the stimulation work at Pitt. The approach involves placing tiny electrode arrays in the parts of the brain responsible for moving and feeling the hand. On one side of the brain, the arrays allow a participant to move a robotic arm by thinking about movement. The other side uses feedback from sensors to trigger pulses of electrical activity. Known as intracortical microstimulation, this process produces a tactile sensation. Testing revealed that participants felt a stronger, clearer touch when the system stimulated two closely spaced electrodes. This improved their ability to locate and gauge pressure on the correct part of the hand. The complementary paper published in outlined how scientists identified pairs or clusters of electrodes whose “touch zones” overlapped. The scientists activated them in carefully orchestrated patterns, generating sensations that progressed across the sensory map. This created sensations that let users feel the boundaries of an object or the motion of something sliding along their skin. The researchers hope that the advancements could pave way for prosthetics that enable confident handling of everyday objects and responses to shifting stimuli.

Dr Mozayeni brings deep experience in biotech corporate strategy and business development Appointment follows successful £35 million Series A fundraise at the end of 2024 to take its MSH3 inhibitors to treat Huntington's disease into the clinic CAMBRIDGE, England, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LoQus23 Therapeutics Ltd ("LoQus23"), a private biotechnology company investigating small molecule drugs that could stop the pathogenic triplet expansion that is the cause and driver of Huntington's Disease, myotonic dystrophy type 1, and other triplet repeat expansion diseases, today announces the appointment of Dr Cyrus Mozayeni as its Chair of the Board of Directors. Dr Mozayeni is a highly experienced biotech entrepreneur with a track record of more than 20-years spearheading growth and strategic business development for life sciences companies. Dr Mozayeni is currently CEO of Pheon Therapeutics (Pheon), a leading antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) company developing next generation ADCs for a wide range of hard-to-treat cancers. He recently led Pheon through a successful $120 million Series B financing round in May 2024. Dr David Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer of LoQus23 Therapeutics, commented: "Following our successful fundraise late last year, the Company is at a pivotal moment as we progress towards IND-enabling studies of our potent allosteric small molecule MSH3 inhibitor, part of the MutSβ complex. Cyrus brings a wealth of world class biotech expertise to guide us at this critical time and will help us to deliver treatments for patients with Huntington's and similar triplet repeat expansion diseases." Dr Cyrus Mozayeni, newly appointed Chair of the Board of Directors of LoQus23, added: "The science behind LoQus23's unique approach is hugely promising. Several recent high-profile papers provide unequivocal support for the development of treatments targeting somatic CAG repeat expansion – the foundation of our approach. I look forward to working with the Board and the Leadership Team to help deliver the lead asset into the clinic and beyond." As an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Atlas Venture, Dr Mozayeni launched Vedere Bio and served as President & CEO from inception through to its sale to Novartis. Before joining Atlas Venture, Dr Mozayeni was co-founder of CODA Biotherapeutics, and Oncorus, where he served as President and CBO. He also served as VP and Global Head of Business Development and Alliance Management at Nasdaq listed Bluebird Bio, where his efforts led to a clinical-stage CAR T-cell program (ABECMA®, idecabtagene vicleucel) in collaboration with Celgene, and a successful IPO. A qualified Doctor of Medicine, Dr Mozayeni is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Medicine and holds both an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University and an Sc.B. in Neuroscience from Brown University. In October 2024, LoQus23 announced the successful close of its £35 million Series A financing round led by Forbion, alongside existing investors SV Health Investors' Dementia Discovery Fund and Novartis Venture Fund. The Company has since established a platform of assays and small molecule series of MutSα and MutSβ inhibitors which are therapeutically relevant in numerous triplet repeat diseases, including Huntington's Disease. Notes to Editors About LoQus23 Therapeutics Ltd LoQus23 is a biotech company based in Cambridge, UK, developing small molecule somatic expansion inhibitors for the treatment of Huntington's Disease and other triplet repeat expansion diseases. Huntington's disease is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder for which there is currently no disease modifying treatment available and which currently has 30,000 patients in the US alone. LoQus23's approach has the potential to stop DNA instability and therefore slow neurodegeneration in these diseases. LoQus23 is focused on using a structure-based approach to design small molecule drugs, which can offer more convenient administration than other approaches. Oral small molecule drugs have a strong track record in treating complex brain diseases and provide greater convenience for patients compared with other advanced treatment modalities. LoQus23's lead programme, a potent allosteric small molecule MSH3 inhibitor, part of the MutSβ complex, will enter the clinic in 2026. LoQus23 has a highly experienced leadership team, built on world-class science. It was originally established in 2019 by Dr David Reynolds, Dr Caroline Benn, and Dr Ruth McKernan CBE, FMedSci, Entrepreneurs in Residence at SV Health Investors' Dementia Discovery Fund, which also acted as the initial seed investor. In October 2024, the Company closed a successful £35 million Series A financing round led by Forbion, alongside existing investors SV Health Investors' Dementia Discovery Fund and Novartis Venture Fund. For more information, please visit: SOURCE LoQus23 Therapeutics WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED