Towards an Artificial Synapse: Synthesis and Characterization of a Carbon Nanotube-based, Switchable Nanofluidic Transport System for Neurotransmitters

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In cell biology many important processes are governed by delivery and release of chemicals on a very small spatial and temporal scale. Information processing and transport in our nervous system is one of the most intriguing examples. Although there are many macroscopic methods to release chemicals at defined positions and time points, they are still lacking a spatial and temporal resolution that matches the biologically relevant scale. Carbon nanotubes are ideal candidates for nanofluidic applications because their dimensions match the dimensions of biologically relevant pores and synapses. In this project, carbon nanotubes will be used to build a membrane system for spatially and temporarily controlled delivery of neurotransmitters.In the first part of this work, transport of small neurotransmitters through different carbon nanotubes will be studied in a microfluidic setup based on coulter counting. In a second step, photoswitchable groups placed at the entrance of the nanotubes will be used to create reversible open/closed states. Thus, complex patterns of open versus closed artificial synapses can be generated by a simple stimulus such as light. Finally, carbon nanotubes will be incorporated into a membrane inside a microfluidic setup, with myoblasts cultivated on top of this membrane, mimicking the neuromuscular junction. The release of neurotransmitters to these cells can then be precisely controlled by light and cell behaviour upon this spatially/temporarily controlled release will be studied. In summary, in this project the transport of molecules in carbon nanotubes will be investigated. Additionally, chemically modified carbon nanotubes will be integrated into a membrane to build a photoswitchable delivery system for neurotransmitters. This setup holds great promises for the study of neuronal cell behaviour on biologically relevant length scales. Therefore, this project represents the first step to pave the way towards an artificial synapse.