Nanotechnology tools for chip-based communication with cells

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Bernhard Wolfrum
• Subject Area: Biophysics
• Term: Funded in 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 98322340

The objective of this proposal is to investigate novel chip-based interfaces for communication with cells and cellular networks. The envisaged interfaces will rely on cutting-edge nanofabrication technology that will add a new dimension to the development of neural biohybrid systems. Specifically, I will employ nanofluidic redox cycling sensors for the electrochemical detection of neu retransmitter release from individual cells in a neural network. This new type of sensor can selectively boost the signal of redox-active molecules by orders of magnitude and will allow the recording of neu retransmitter release with unprecedented sensitivity. The overall aim is to study integrated on-chip systems, in which individual cells in a network can be addressed via nanofluidic and patterned electronic interfaces. Development of such integrated systems is a fascinating interdisciplinary challenge and offers great potential for both fundamental research and applications. It will be a powerful tool for the investigation of information processing phenomena in reconstructed cellular networks. Modulation of neuronal synaptic strength and neurotransmitter release, based on chemical and electrical stimulation, can be studied to elucidate effects of synaptic plasticity. The investigation of novel cell interfaces is also important for cell-based biosensors in drug screening applications and will be useful for the development of future neuroprosthetic devices.

• DFG Programme: Independent Junior Research Groups