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High-throughput platform for impedance-based evaluation and optogenetic manipulation of cell populations
The student will work towards the development of an electronic platform for the parallel optogenetics-induced modification of cellular behavior and for the label-free characterization of cellular responses via impedance-based detection.
**Background**
Optogenetics is a method that uses light to control molecular events in living cells with a high spatiotemporal resolution. The wide variety of biochemical processes, which can be engineered to depend upon optical stimulation, renders this technique a precious tool for the understanding of cell behaviors. Unfortunately, the evaluation of the biological impact of such light-induced alterations is difficult, limiting the scalability of optogenetic approaches in biological sciences. Therefore, methods that will enable high-throughput evaluation of optogenetics-induced cellular modification will allow to investigate the sophisticated molecular programs underlying complex cell behaviors.
**Desirable skills**
- PCB design
- Programming (knowledge of Arduino, Python, Labview is an asset)
- Knowledge in or interest towards CAD design (basic)
- Data analysis
- Lab benchwork experience
**Task description**
The student will work on the development of a platform for the high-throughput light-stimulation of engineered cell populations and for the characterization of cell responses via impedance-based measurements. For the realization of such platform, the student will design and fabricate a complete experimental setup, which will include: i) a PCB featuring an array of LEDs and the control electronics; ii) a user interface for controlling the board; iii) a cell-culture plate integrated with electrodes for impedance recordings and the related control electronics. Proof-of-concept optogenetics experiments will be carried by the student to investigate the performance of the platform.
**You learn**
- PCB design
- CAD design (such as Inventor and Autocad)
- Basics of microfabrication (electrode design and fabrication)
- Label-free impedance-based detection of cells
- Cell culture
- Optogenetics
**Background**
Optogenetics is a method that uses light to control molecular events in living cells with a high spatiotemporal resolution. The wide variety of biochemical processes, which can be engineered to depend upon optical stimulation, renders this technique a precious tool for the understanding of cell behaviors. Unfortunately, the evaluation of the biological impact of such light-induced alterations is difficult, limiting the scalability of optogenetic approaches in biological sciences. Therefore, methods that will enable high-throughput evaluation of optogenetics-induced cellular modification will allow to investigate the sophisticated molecular programs underlying complex cell behaviors.
**Desirable skills**
- PCB design - Programming (knowledge of Arduino, Python, Labview is an asset) - Knowledge in or interest towards CAD design (basic) - Data analysis - Lab benchwork experience
**Task description**
The student will work on the development of a platform for the high-throughput light-stimulation of engineered cell populations and for the characterization of cell responses via impedance-based measurements. For the realization of such platform, the student will design and fabricate a complete experimental setup, which will include: i) a PCB featuring an array of LEDs and the control electronics; ii) a user interface for controlling the board; iii) a cell-culture plate integrated with electrodes for impedance recordings and the related control electronics. Proof-of-concept optogenetics experiments will be carried by the student to investigate the performance of the platform.
**You learn**
- PCB design - CAD design (such as Inventor and Autocad) - Basics of microfabrication (electrode design and fabrication) - Label-free impedance-based detection of cells - Cell culture - Optogenetics
Not specified
Dr. Mario Modena | mario.modena@bsse.ethz.ch
Dr. Fernando Cardes | fernando.cardes@bsse.ethz.ch
Dr. Mario Modena | mario.modena@bsse.ethz.ch
Dr. Fernando Cardes | fernando.cardes@bsse.ethz.ch