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Neuro-electronic systems towards tissue implantation by neural grafting

Objective



The final goal of the project is to characterize and optimize the in vitro interactions of a small networks of neurons, coupled to an array of embedded stimulating / recording planar microelectrodes, with other neuron populations, spatially separated from the network, simulating a host neural tissue to be interfaced to the network. In other words: the goal is to simulate in vitro the fate of a hybrid neuro - electronic system grafted into an injured nervous system, to stimulate its recovery.
The in vitro characterization and optimization studies will be carried out inside a newly designed micromachined multicompartment chamber (NESTING chamber) which will be fabricated by means of advanced glass and silicon technologies. This chamber will allow a coordinated extensive analysis at the cellular and molecular level of chemical, mechanical and electrophysiological factors influencing neuronal growth, guidance and synaptogenesis under controlled in vitro conditions.
Efforts will be specifically directed to build up in vitro neurobiological models sophisticated enough to reproduce some key features of the in vivo environment. Such models should offer a new advanced tool for in vitro experimentation to the Biomedical Community, thus reducing the need for animal experiments.
By the end of the project, it is expected that detailed indications for the design of a miniaturized version of the neuro-electronic system will be obtained, suitable for subsequent in vivo grafting.

Call for proposal

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Coordinator

Università degli Studi di Genova
EU contribution
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Address
11 A,Via Opera Pia 11/A
16145 Genova
Italy

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Total cost
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Participants (1)