Optoelectronic stimulation and recording of retinal glia and neurons via photosensitive BIO-hybrid polymer nanowire platforms (ORPHEUS)

The Air Force Research Laboratory awarded a $220,000 Project Grant on September 30, 2025, to Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata under the Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program (CFDA 12.800) to support research and development of optoelectronic stimulation and recording technologies for retinal glia and neurons. The primary deliverable is the development of photosensitive bio-hybrid polymer nanowire platforms (ORPHEUS—Optoelectronic Stimulation and Recording of Retinal Glia and Neurons via Photosensitive Bio-Hybrid Polymer Nanowire Platforms) that integrate advanced materials and optical technologies to enable precise neural stimulation and signal recording capabilities. This research aligns with the Air Force's mission to maintain technological superiority in advanced electronics and materials science through fundamental and applied scientific research conducted at leading international research institutions.

The three-year award, with an ultimate completion date of September 29, 2028, will be performed at the Ricerca Internazionale (International Research) Division of UNI Roma2 in Italy. The project represents the Air Force's commitment to fostering innovation in defense-related scientific domains through strategic partnerships with accredited international research institutions, leveraging the university's demonstrated expertise in interdisciplinary scientific research and collaborative initiatives with U.S. federal agencies.