# Circulatronics: A New Paradigm for Biomedical Implants

> **NIH NIH DP2** · MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · 2024 · $397,500

## Abstract

Bioelectronic implants provide a versatile platform for diagnosis, therapeutics as well as basic
research but require invasive surgery. As a part of the parent proposal, we are developing a
paradigm shift: the ‘Circulatronics’ technology, wherein ultra-small bioelectronic devices target
desired regions in the body for sensing and treatment, without the need for surgery. We are
leveraging our work in ultra-scalable and record-low power nanoelectronics, which can lead to
beyond-Silicon dimensional scalability to create sub-cellular sized and highly energy-efficient
nanoelectronic devices. Moreover, we are building on our research in novel van der Waals
heterostructures employing heterogeneous material systems enabled by atomically thin 2D
materials to accomplish advanced electronic functionalities. Furthermore, we are exploring
different surface functionalization and synthetic biology techniques to achieve the required
targeting. This supplement will extend our technology to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Current AD
therapies only provide marginal symptomatic benefits due to inability to achieve early intervention
and as irreversible neuron loss occurs after cognitive impairment. Pathological neuroinflammation,
tau and amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregations, which are hallmarks of AD, start in small brain regions. We
will leverage our technology of wireless subcellular sized nanoelectronics to target these
pathological sites associated with AD for highly precise therapeutics. Our technology can provide
the advantages of early-stage intervention which can be instrumental to slow down and even
prevent development of AD. The proposed supplementary work is well within the scope of the
parent award and will lead to future R01-funded research on novel AD therapeutics.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10938896
- **Project number:** 3DP2HL168072-01S1
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Deblina Sarkar
- **Activity code:** DP2 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $397,500
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10938896

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10938896, Circulatronics: A New Paradigm for Biomedical Implants (3DP2HL168072-01S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10938896. Licensed CC0.

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