EAGER: Development of a multi-electrode array (MEA) with active recruiting of cells and mechanically confined neuronal networks

EAGER：开发多电极阵列（MEA），主动招募细胞和机械限制的神经元网络

• 批准号: 1321356
• 负责人: Svetlana Tatic-Lucic
• 金额: $ 14.99万
• 依托单位: Lehigh University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2013
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2013-03-01 至 2017-01-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1321356&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: EAGER; Development; multi; electrode; array

The objective of this project is to develop a sophisticated platform for investigating small networks of dissociated neurons, based on monitoring their electrical activity. The targeted platform is a multielectrode array (MEA) tool, distinguished by very accurate patterning of neuronal networks using mechanical and chemical methods. By virtue of its superior signal-to-noise ratio, this tool will have transformative impact in all fields of cell-based sensors and neuroscience by enabling repeatable and sensitive experiments.This tool can be used for investigating the highly complex processes of learning and memory in a systematic and simplified manner within cultured cells. It can be also used in the pharmacological industry as a test bed for examining the influence of pharmacological agents on neurons. Alternatively, it can be used as a cell-based sensor, in which changes in electrical activity may be indicative of the presence of neuroactive compounds. In this project, it will also be used as a training tool in bioengineering labs and as a demonstration unit for a summer program targeting middle school girls to increase the number of female engineering students at Lehigh University.

该项目的目标是开发一个复杂的平台，用于在监测其电活动的基础上研究解离神经元的小网络。目标平台是一种多电极阵列（MEA）工具，其特点是使用机械和化学方法对神经元网络进行非常精确的图案化。凭借其上级信噪比，该工具将通过实现可重复和灵敏的实验，在细胞传感器和神经科学的所有领域产生变革性影响。该工具可用于以系统和简化的方式研究培养细胞内高度复杂的学习和记忆过程。它也可以在药理学工业中用作检查药理学试剂对神经元影响的试验床。或者，它可以用作基于细胞的传感器，其中电活动的变化可以指示神经活性化合物的存在。在该项目中，它还将被用作生物工程实验室的培训工具，并作为针对中学女生的暑期课程的示范单元，以增加利哈伊大学女工程专业学生的人数。