NOVELNOBI : Novel Nanoengineered Optoelectronic Biointerfaces
[CORDIS profile] [ERIS profile]
MESHOPTO : Retinal Mesh Optoelectronics
[CORDIS profile] [ERIS profile]
Dr. Nizamoğlu is the first PI in Türkiye who received two pioneer ERC grants in their research career.
In his earlier Starting Grant project NOVELNOBI, Dr. Nizamoğlu proposed a totally new approach for designing customised nanomaterials with optimised characteristics that would lead to revolutionary outcomes in the building of nanostructures for neural interfacing. His key objectives were: (1) to use quantum mechanics in a new way to control and explore the neural photostimulation mechanism, (2) to explore, design and synthesize new biocompatible colloidal nanocrystals for neural photostimulation, to overcome the limitations in terms of toxic material contents (e.g. cadmium, lead, mercury, etc.), (3) to demonstrate novel biocompatible neural interfaces with exciton and quantum funnels, and plasmonic nanostructures for enhanced spectral sensitivity and dynamic range. This new approach from quantum mechanical design to nanocrystal assembly proposed to enable exploring, tuning and controlling the underlying physical mechanisms of neural photostimulation.
Following the successful conclusion of his first ERC action, Dr. Nizamoğlu was awarded a Consolidator Grant under the 2021 call, with his proposal MESHOPTO. This time he is planning to apply his accumulated breakthroughs to the treatment of blindness, aiming to develop novel retinal implants that are biocompatible, safe, with high pixel density for visual acuity, and can be taken off. He plans to combine nanomaterials and unconventional electronic approaches to develop the implants.
Dr. Nizamoğlu is currently directing the Innovative Devices and interfaces Laboratory at Koç University.
``My group mainly focuses on bioelectronics to develop novel light-powered interfaces controlling neural activity. In our laboratory, we utilize unconventional nanometric and biological materials to study topics like energy efficiency, energy production, retinal and other bodily implants, as well as the mitigation of environmental pollution created by the use of electronic devices.``