CAREER: A System for Extracellular Recording from Patterned Neuronal Networks with Sensing Applications

这项研究的目的是开发一种新型的多电极阵列(MEA)，并伴随着一个多通道记录和模拟系统，它将允许从图案化的神经元网络进行刺激和记录。该系统可用作检测对神经系统有可检测和/或有害影响的化合物的感官平台，并将成为神经生物学家研究培养细胞的学习和记忆过程的有用工具。这一目标将通过完成以下里程碑来实现：1)开发一种仅将神经细胞限制在电极区域上的技术；2)建立能够在预定方向上生长神经突起的方法；3)制造具有这些独特特征的多电极阵列；4)设计实验装置；以及5)研究刺激培养神经元的有效参数。这一重要工具的两个实现将被研究：a)在体外确定选定的神经活性化合物的毒性水平和特征；b)探索简单神经元电路中的学习过程。该系统可以用作基于细胞的传感器系统来检测神经活性化合物，以及制造神经元电路，这在实验神经科学中是有价值的工具。此外，设计的实验装置将被整合到利哈伊大学新的跨学科生物工程项目中。将开发两门新课程，并提议以面向小学生和初中生的微型机械绘画比赛的形式开展推广计划。

The objective of this research is the development of a novel multi-electrode array (MEA), accompanied by a multi-channel recording and simulation system, which will allow stimulating and recording from patterned neuronal networks. This system can be used as a sensory platform for detection of compounds with detectable and/or harmful impact on a nervous system, and it will be a useful tool for neurobiologists to investigate processes of learning and memory on cultured cells. This goal will be met via accomplishing the following milestones: 1) developing a technique for confining a nerve cell solely on the electrode area; 2) establishing methods to enable growth of neurites in pre-defined directions; 3) fabricating a multielectrode array with these unique features; 4) devising an experimental setup, and; 5) investigating effective parameters for the stimulation of cultured neurons. Two implementations of this important tool will be studied: a) determining in vitro toxic levels and signatures of selected neuroactive compounds, and; b) exploring the learning process in simple neuronal circuits.The proposed system can be used as a cell-based sensor system for the detection of neuroactive compounds, as well as for the fabrication of neuronal circuits, which are valuable tools in experimental neuroscience. Additionally, the experimental setup devised will be integrated into the new, inter-disciplinary bioengineering program at Lehigh University. Two new courses will be developed, and an outreach program is proposed in the form of a Micromachine Drawing Contest for elementary and junior-high school students.