The organic abiotic/biotic interface for rescuing vision in blind retinas

31st March 2022

Timing : 2 pm EST

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The possibility to stimulate cell by phototransducing light via an organic semiconductor has been studied and applied to rescuing vision in blind retinas. The organic semiconductor is the prototypical photovoltaic polymer poly 3 hexyl thiophene. We studied planar films or nanoparticles in contact with the neuronal membrane to unravel the phototransducing dynamics. In vivo in animal model affected by photoreceptor degeneration we show the recovery of light sensitivity and visual acuity. The photophysics of the polymer relevant to this application has been investigated in order to describe the coupling mechanism. While there are still many open questions, the encouraging results obtained in vivo led us to founding a start up (NOVAVIDO) to bring this technology to humans.



Snow
Guglielmo Lanzani
Senior Researcher - Principal Investigator - Center Coordinator
Nanomaterials for Energy and Lifescience
Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Italy

GL research activity, reported in more than 300 publications, regards the science and technology of nanostructured and molecular materials. The main area of experimental work is photo-physics, for application in energy, bio-photonics, neuroscience and medicine. In particular, the overarching goal of the research is to induce light sensitivity in living cells, tissue or organism for photo controlling their functions by developing new light actuators. Application is in life science, medicine and neuroscience. He is involved in the project for developing an artificial retina prosthesis. He is involved in two start-up companies.