We propose to evaluate the functionality, MRI- and bio-compatibility of probes for microscopic magnetic stimulation (mMS), a new brain stimulation technology. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the orientation of the applied ?MS fields (relative to the excitable tissue) provides unique activation of neuronal elements not seen with traditional electrical stimulation, a property that can be leveraged to improve experimental or therapeutic goals. This information will be used to develop a new product line for animal neuroscience research. These findings will provide a rationale for the further exploration of ?MS as a prospective tool for clinical and preclinical applications which will be commercialized by FHC, a company with a 42-year history of successfully marketing to the research neuroscience market. The goal will be to further stimulate both development of ?MS technology as well as the understanding of brain function.

Public Health Relevance

Electrical and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have proven beneficial for patients suffering from a range of neurological disorders in spite of a number of efficacy, safety and practical limitations which exist for these therapies. The proposed microscopic magnetic stimulation (?MS) research system utilizes a novel neuronal stimulation pathway and may have implications for the design of new and improved stimulation therapies. The products (probes and generator) will be commercialized by FHC who will actively market it to research and clinical neuroscience customers.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase I (R43)
Project #
5R43MH107037-02
Application #
9022519
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-ETTN-C (10)B)
Program Officer
Grabb, Margaret C
Project Start
2015-02-25
Project End
2017-01-31
Budget Start
2016-08-22
Budget End
2017-01-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
$350,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Fhc, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
108179458
City
Bowdoin
State
ME
Country
United States
Zip Code
04287
Golestanirad, Laleh; Gale, John T; Manzoor, Nauman F et al. (2018) Solenoidal Micromagnetic Stimulation Enables Activation of Axons With Specific Orientation. Front Physiol 9:724
Bonmassar, Giorgio; Golestanirad, Laleh (2017) EM fields comparison between planar vs. solenoidal ?MS coil designs for nerve stimulation. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2017:3576-3579