Novel Platform for Living Neural Networks

活神经网络的新颖平台

• 批准号: 6792600
• 负责人: DMITRI ROUTKEVITCH
• 金额: $ 9.83万
• 依托单位: SYNKERA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 财政年份: 2003
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2003-08-15 至 2006-07-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/6792600
• 关键词: aluminum; animal tissue; bioengineering /biomedical engineering; biomaterial compatibility; ceramics; electrical impedance; microelectrodes; nanotechnology; neural information processing; neurogenesis; neuronal guidance; neuropharmacology; synapses; tissue /cell culture; tissue support frame

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Unlocking the mechanism of neural growth understanding and communication is needed for and treatment of many degenerative diseases, as well as for neural prosthesis and restoration of damaged neural connections. Living neural networks (LNN) can enable a broad array of new tools for neural research. Furthermore, LNNs, being capable of detect minute environmental perturbations, are an attractive target for chemical and biological sensing. However, producing reliable LNNs is challenging, and requires control over the neuronal growth and formation of synaptic junctions, high charge density high-resolution neuronal contacts, overall biocompatibility and reproducibility. Substrates for LNNs that would satisfy these requirements are not available. To address this opportunity we propose to use self-organized nanoporous alumina ceramic as a platform for guided growth and interfacing of LNNs. The core of the innovation is in the combination of several ideas: nanoengineering of the anodic alumina to provide tailored neuron/substrate interface; hybrid micro machining of patterns for neural growth guidance; using encapsulated nanoelectrodes arrays and routing the excitation/response signals to the bottom of the chip to provide soft high resolution electrical contacts to neurons. Proposed living neural networks have significant commercial potential. If realized, they could be used as tools for neural network research, disease studies and diagnostics, drug and toxin screening, and new generation of biochemical sensors.

描述（由申请人提供）：许多退行性疾病以及神经假体和受损神经连接的恢复都需要解锁神经生长理解和沟通的机制并进行治疗。活神经网络 (LNN) 可以为神经研究提供广泛的新工具。此外，LNN 能够检测微小的环境扰动，是化学和生物传感的一个有吸引力的目标。然而，生产可靠的 LNN 具有挑战性，需要控制神经元生长和突触连接的形成、高电荷密度高分辨率神经元接触、整体生物相容性和可重复性。目前还没有满足这些要求的 LNN 基板。为了抓住这个机会，我们建议使用自组织纳米多孔氧化铝陶瓷作为 LNN 引导生长和接口的平台。创新的核心在于几个想法的结合：阳极氧化铝的纳米工程提供定制的神经元/基质界面；用于神经生长引导的模型的混合微加工；使用封装的纳米电极阵列并将激励/响应信号路由到芯片底部，为神经元提供软高分辨率电接触。所提出的活体神经网络具有巨大的商业潜力。如果实现，它们可以用作神经网络研究、疾病研究和诊断、​​药物和毒素筛选以及新一代生化传感器的工具。