Team 2

Hypoptrode: Human Brain Stimulation Targeting the Hypothalamus

Team Members:
Ala Alawami
Abdullah Albayati
Ami Asodji
Derek Busch
Seth Petri

Team Mentors:

Dr. Bradley Greger, PhD - SBHSE

Dr. Chelsea Faber, PhD – Barrow Neurological Institute

YouTube Link:
View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom Link:
https://asu.zoom.us/j/81779956715


Abstract

Optogenetics is a field that involves manipulating opsin proteins through the use of a light source. This is facilitated through an optrode, which is inserted into the brain, and delivers the light source via fiber optic cable and contains electrodes for measurement. Current technology for optogenetics primarily exists in laboratory settings for animal test subjects. As such, there is a major need for optrode design to be implemented in humans. Furthermore, the need we seek to target is the treatment of metabolic disorders. The hypothalamic circuitry of the brain is the primary control for metabolic functions. Our device seeks to be easily implantable into the hypothalamus region of the human brain while at the same time being as minimally invasive as possible, as to not disrupt patient lifestyle and increase the quality of life of the patient. Once implanted into the brain, our device will deliver 470 nm light, in order to activate the CHR2 opsin, which is a protein that has the ability to alter metabolic functions. The activation of this opsin will then be verified using electrodes, which will measure the corresponding local field potentials and action potentials. The global optogenetics market is projected to reach USD 58.59 billion by 2026. It is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 15.80 % from 2021 to 2026. Our product will be a novel device for the treatment of metabolic disorders in humans using optogenetics, and we anticipate that it will be competitive in the current market segment because there are no existing optogenetic solutions for the treatment of metabolic disorders in humans.