# Gold nanoparticle Neurosensory Epiretinal Implant to Treat Photoreceptor Vision Loss

> **NIH NIH R21** · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · 2022 · $237,750

## Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT
The retinal degenerative and dystrophic pathologies are major causes of blindness through the
lifespan. There is thus a critical need to find novel therapeutic devices which can address this
broad group of devastating diseases. Gold-nanoparticle neurosensory epiretinal stimulator
(GNES) is one such device, an implant without external power generation for stimulation of
remaining retinal ganglion cells to restore vision. Gold nanoparticles placed on a dielectric layer
have the potency to generate voltage on exposure to certain wavelengths. Intriguingly, these
phenomena can be exploited to use them as photoreceptors. The long-term goal is to address
the need for biocompatible neurosensory devices, modifying the design for high resolution and
long lasting GNES for patients with retinal dystrophy and degenerations. The proposed research
will assess an autonomous GNES that can passively mix the effect of optical signals and
directly excite remaining retinal ganglion cells. The rationale for this research is that gold-
nanoparticles are voltage generating particles without the need for image processing, power
source or extensive surgery for the intraocular and extraocular component. The objective in this
application is to modify GNES as a retinal ganglion cell stimulator. The overall hypothesis is
that gold nanoparticles on a dielectric platform can serve as a stand-alone neurostimulator that
excites RGCs and are biocompatible with lasting excitatory capability. The hypothesis will be
tested via two specific aims: 1. Assess the excitation of RGCs ex vivo using GNES device.
GNES excitation will be assessed using two methods. First with multielectrode array (MEA) with
human stem cell induced RGCs growth over GNES. In addition, we will use Genetically
Encoded Calcium Indicator (GECI) mice crossed with rd1 mice which lack photoreceptors. We
will test the GNES response to different wavelengths and spatial resolution. 2. Determine the
feasibility of refined GNES with Light Shutter Valve (LSV). One of the concerns in electrical
stimulation is overheating the system or neurotoxic effect of constant stimulation. The effect of
LSV on RGC survival will be tested with prolonged retinal explants. The morphology and
functional assay of RGCs will be tested after prolonged culture or exposure to stimulation. This
work is innovative, as it is the first epiretinal implantable device with standalone capability and
capacity to regulate the light. The work is highly significant because it will define GNES and
LSV as a new tool to address the clinical challenge in treating patients with photoreceptor loss,
leading to development of new ways to restore vision.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10528012
- **Project number:** 1R21EY032652-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Amir Reza Hajrasouliha
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $237,750
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10528012

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10528012, Gold nanoparticle Neurosensory Epiretinal Implant to Treat Photoreceptor Vision Loss (1R21EY032652-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10528012. Licensed CC0.

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