Development of an Artificial Synapse using an Integrated Electrochemical Micropump

该项目的最终目的是开发集成微泵，作为电路和神经元或人工突触之间的接口。我们研制了一种以电分解水为驱动力的微阀微泵芯片。该芯片可以控制喷气，准时到秒。该泵可通过神经递质作用诱导海兔神经元兴奋性突触后电位。我们还开发了用于中枢神经系统的电压成像，以评估接口的能力。通过电压成像检测海兔神经元的动作电位一直是个难题。我们用四乙基氯化铵作为钾通道阻断剂延长动作电位，成功地检测到动作电位。该项目开发的技术将有助于通过神经递质管理来开发神经元接口。

The final purpose of this project is a development of integrated micropumps working as an interface between electric circuits and neurons or an artificial synapse. We developed a chip of micropump with microvalve using electrodecomposition of water as a driving force. The chip can control the jetting with punctuality to the second. The pump could induce excitatory postsynaptic potential of Aplysia neuron by neurotransmitter administration. We developed also voltage imaging for central nerve system for evaluation of the ability of the interface. It has been difficult to detect the action potential of Aplysia neuron by voltage imaging. We succeeded in the detection of the action potential by prolonging by tetraethylammonium chloride as a potassium channel blocker. The technologies developed in the project will help the development of neuronal interface by neurotransmitter administration.