“This is a very exciting project that I am very passionate about. I am incredibly happy to have this support from the Sontag Foundation and to join their research community.”

About DSA-Funded Research

In this proposal, we describe a new type of electrocorticogram (ECoG) built from hydrogels, or viscoelastic materials with brain-matched mechanical properties. We introduce conductive hydrogels that electrically record and stimulate the entire cortical surface. To overcome challenges in brain drug delivery, we attach hydrogel-drug capsules to stimulation electrodes. As electrical current is applied through these electrodes, the drug capsules are locally released. The assembled ECoG is ultra conformable and can be uniquely implanted into the resected tumor cavity. This enables a novel implant, with chemical targeting to leftover tumor cells. Overall, the proposed strategy could further eliminate GBM, leading to an improved patient prognosis. Ultimately, this technology could be applied to any brain cancer patient as our platform enables personalized medicine. The proposed project will allow us to simultaneously understand mechanisms of GBM and develop new treatments.