| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/R65589/01 |
| Title: |
Talking with Nerve Cells: Developing Communication Between Living Vertebrate Neurons and Electronic Systems |
| Principal Investigator: |
Murray, Professor AF |
| Other Investigators: |
|
| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
|
| Project Partners: |
|
| Department: |
Sch of Engineering |
| Organisation: |
University of Edinburgh |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 August 2002 |
Ends: |
31 December 2005 |
Value (£): |
456,977
|
| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Bioelectronic Devices |
Biomedical neuroscience |
| Cells |
New & Emerging Comp. Paradigms |
| VLSI Design |
|
|
| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Electronics |
Healthcare |
| Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology |
|
|
| Related Grants: |
|
| Panel History: |
|
|
Summary on Grant Application Form |
|
Two different techniques for providing in vivo neuron/electronic communication will be assessed. One (Glasgow) entails growing small vertebrate neuron assemblies on a prepared silica substrate that carries positioning cues on the surface. Connection to cells is through a microfabricated electrode array made in a flexible polymer lowered on to the cell assembly. The other (Edinburgh) involves growing the neuron assembly on a micromachined silicon wafer. This wafer has holes (of 1-2 micron diameter) through it and these holes are used as miniature patch clamp electrodes. Initially, a single hole will be used and once this technique is established, a multiple (16 x 16 or 64 x 64) array will be investigated. These two verydifferent techniques will be assayed for reliability, longevity and effectiveness of communication, using a number of different excitable vertebrate cells, especially nodose ganglia and hippocampal cells. Electrical signals will be injected into the neuron assemblies, and the resultant outputs analysed to discover the information processing activities of the cell assembly. Recordings will also be made of spontaneous activities when available. In both cases very long term recordings (7-20 days) are envisaged so that long term changes, perhaps due to training, will be detectable.
|
|
Key Findings |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Potential use in non-academic contexts |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Impacts |
|
| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
|
| Date Materialised |
|
|
|
|
Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
| Project URL: |
|
| Further Information: |
|
| Organisation Website: |
http://www.ed.ac.uk |