Center for Biomedical Engineering

This figure shows an SEM of a  neuron-like cell (NG108) cultured on a semicoductor thin film.  The figure on the right shows a recording electrode set up to record photostimulation of a neuron grown on the film.

We are also collaborating with Nicholas Kotov at the University of Michigan on projects relating to interfacing photoactivated nanoparticle multilayer films with neurons. Our work concentrates on optimizing the growth and stimulus characteristics for neurons cultured on unique semiconductor nanoparticles. These nanoparticles can be activated with light to produce a photopotential, which, in turn, can depolarize and stimulate neurons. Several of the nanoparticle formulations are toxic, however, and we are examining the effect of buffer layers on the circuit made between the neuron and the nanoparticle. We are also examining the optical stimulus characteristics of these materials. Our goal is to use the photoactivatible nanoparticles to develop novel photonic therapeutics and diagnostics for neuroscience.