On-chip chemical stimulation of neurons by local and controlled release of neurotransmitter.
This paper describes the fabrication and in vitro testing of a device capable of chemically stimulating individual neurons. Electrophoretic actuation is used to locally induce the release of the neurotransmitter L-glutamate in a network of hippocampal neurons cultured on top of the device. Cell activation by the neurotransmitter is visualized using calcium imaging. Single-cell stimulation is demonstrated close to the release site after application of a voltage of 500 mV. Such a device could provide a useful tool in both basic and clinical neuroscience. In a broader context, this device can be used to locally release small amounts of chemical compounds in Lab-on-Chip and drug delivery applications.
Mernier
Guillaume
G
IMEC vzw, Bioelectronic Systems Group, Heverlee, Belgium. guillaume.mernier@imec.be
Braeken
Dries
D
Jans
Danny
D
Eberle
Wolfgang
W
Callewaert
Geert
G
Bartic
Carmen
C
Borghs
Gustaaf
G
D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004566:Electrodes; D004867:Equipment Design; D005453:Fluorescence; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D051381:Rats; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D002118:Calcium