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 - Arizona State University

Chelsea Faber – Barrow Neurological Institute

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

Zoom Link:
https://asu.zoom.us/j/85294833948

Abstract

Optogenetics is a field that involves manipulating cells 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 the 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 diabetes, primarily Type II Diabetes. Rather than using multiple devices to both diagnose and treat diabetes, our device will solve the problem at the source. 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, for ease of use and patient satisfaction. 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. The global Type II Diabetes market is projected to reach USD 58.7 billion by 2025. It is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2015 to 2025. Our product will be a novel device for the treatment of diabetes 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 diabetes in humans.