Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Nanowires to study single synapses in patterned neuronal networks.

Objective

In neuronal networks of the brain, synapses are the connection points between neurons. The dynamics (or plasticity) of these synapses allow us to think, learn and memorize. A deeper understanding of these phenomena requires investigations of single synapses. Synapses have been intensively studied in vivo but in such studies the physiological complexity limits the investigations at the single synapses level.
Despite tremendous technical and conceptual advances of in vivo studies, we miss (1) a better understanding of the mechanics of synapses formation; (2) observing directly the chemical activity at single synapses; (3) investigating the role of neuronal network topology in synaptic plasticity. These classical limitations can now be overcome by alternative in vitro approaches, using recent technological advances in microfluidics and nano-technologies.
The aim of NANOSYNNETS is to use vertical arrays of NANOwires (aNWs) to study in vitro the formation and plasticity of single SYnapses in Neuronal NETworkS with controlled topologies.
With my expertise in growing controlled neuronal networks in microfluidic chips, I decided to join the one of the leading group in bio-nanotechnologies, lead by Karen Martinez (KM) and based at the NanoScience Center (NSC) of the University of Copenhagen (UCPH), to exploit novel technologies for the investigation of in vitro single synapse formation, activity and plasticity. This novel approach will give a complementary and cutting-edge point of view to classical in vivo studies of synapses and will thereby provide unmatched insights into neurobiology and will shed new lights on unanswered questions in learning mechanisms or neuronal communication.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.

You need to log in or register to use this function

Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2014

See all projects funded under this call

Coordinator

KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 212 194,80
Address
NORREGADE 10
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark

See on map

Region
Danmark Hovedstaden Byen København
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 212 194,80
My booklet 0 0