Novel Platform for Living Neural Networks

描述(由申请人提供)：了解和沟通神经生长的机制对于许多退行性疾病的治疗以及神经假体和受损神经连接的恢复都是必要的。活神经网络(LNN)可以使一系列新的神经研究工具成为可能。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，制造可靠的LNN是具有挑战性的，需要控制神经元的生长和突触连接的形成，高电荷密度和高分辨率的神经元接触，整体的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引导生长和连接LNN的平台。创新的核心是几个想法的结合：阳极氧化铝的纳米工程，以提供定制的神经元/衬底界面；用于神经生长指导的图案的混合微加工；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，为神经元提供软的高分辨率电接触。提出的活神经网络具有巨大的商业潜力。如果实现，它们可以被用作神经网络研究、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。

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.