Chemical neurostimulation using pulse code modulation (PCM) microfluidic chips.
We report the implementation of a chemical neurostimulation technique using microfluidic devices. The microfluidic chip in this research is used for the in vitro study of the nervous system of Aplysia californica under localized chemical stimulation. The polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) device is a one-bit pulse code modulator that digitally controls the concentration of the non-hydrolysable cholinergic agonist carbachol injected directly above a ganglion. The chip was successful in repeatedly and controllably inducing bursts of ingestive-like patterns. The ability of the chip to induce rhythmic activity through the sheath of the ganglion suggests that it could serve as the basis for an implantable, in vivo device to control neural activity and motor behavior using chemical stimulation.
Azizi
Farouk
F
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University Calumet, Hammond, IN 46323, USA. fazizi@calumet.purdue.edu
Lu
Hui
H
Chiel
Hillel J
HJ
Mastrangelo
Carlos H
CH
D000818:Animals; D001048:Aplysia; D002217:Carbachol / Q000494:pharmacology; D018679:Cholinergic Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D017952:Ganglia, Invertebrate / Q000187:drug effects; D058542:Implantable Neurostimulators; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
D018679:Cholinergic Agonists; D002217:Carbachol