Project description
Bio-ICT convergence
Electronics and bio cells talk to each other with a micronail chip.
In the BRAINSTORM project, we aim to develop an integrated system enabling on-chip intracellular recordings from a relatively large cultured neuronal network combined with chemical sensing and intracellular delivery of biologically active molecules. To achieve tight coupling with the cell membrane and enable efficient recordings, micronail-type probes will be integrated with a CMOS readout circuitry. These micronails are structured to operate either as intracellular microelectrodes or as intracellular micro-syringes allowing either chemical injection or to produce pressure or suction that will be used in additional to other procedures to penetrate the cell membrane. With appropriate bio-functionalization, the micro-nails inserted intracellularly will also serve as sensors for phosphorylation/ dephosphorylation reactions within living cells.
The main technologies and methods to be developed in the BRAINSTORM project include:
\tBiocompatible and CMOS compatible micronails and micro-syringes with integrated readout electronics;
\tMicrofluidic system integrated with the CMOS-containing chip;
\tProcedures to insert both nail types through the plasma membrane, into the neuronal cytosole;
\tSurface chemistries allowing to achieve a Giga-Ohm (G) seal resistance between the disrupted plasma membrane and the nail;
\tHigh signal-to-noise ratio recordings of neuronal electrical activity with micronail probes;
\tOn-chip chemical delivery of chemicals;
\tOn-chip sensing of intracellular kinase activities.
Fields of science
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
FP7-ICT-2007-1
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Funding Scheme
CP - Collaborative project (generic)Coordinator Contact
Coordinator
3001 Leuven
Belgium