Register now After registration you will be able to apply for this opportunity online.
This opportunity is not published. No applications will be accepted.
In vitro Neural Characterization Platform with High-Density Microelectrode Arrays
Development of a data acquisition platform for in vitro experiments with multi-functional (voltage recordings, current recordings, impedance measurements, neurotransmitter detection, voltage stimulation and current stimulation) high-density microelectrode arrays.
Keywords: Microelectronics, microelectrode arrays (MEA), extracellular recording, data acquisition
High-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) have become a standard tool to measure neural activity and to characterize biological cells. A large number of microscopic electrodes detect extracellular voltages or currents with high spatial resolution, enabling us to measure single cell action potentials of entire cell populations or local field potentials. We developed a new multi-functional HD-MEA that can be used to do voltage recordings, current recordings, impedance measurements, neurotransmitter detection, voltage stimulation and current stimulation. It features the largest active electrode array area to date (4.48 × 2.43 mm2) where it accommodates 59,760 electrodes. We aim to design a data acquisition platform to use all these functionalities in a laboratory setting, where it can be used for example to characterize _in vitro_ neural cell cultures or retinal explants. This platform must be robust and easy-to-use such that the HD-MEA can be used to perform the large variety of biological experiments for which it was designed.
High-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) have become a standard tool to measure neural activity and to characterize biological cells. A large number of microscopic electrodes detect extracellular voltages or currents with high spatial resolution, enabling us to measure single cell action potentials of entire cell populations or local field potentials. We developed a new multi-functional HD-MEA that can be used to do voltage recordings, current recordings, impedance measurements, neurotransmitter detection, voltage stimulation and current stimulation. It features the largest active electrode array area to date (4.48 × 2.43 mm2) where it accommodates 59,760 electrodes. We aim to design a data acquisition platform to use all these functionalities in a laboratory setting, where it can be used for example to characterize _in vitro_ neural cell cultures or retinal explants. This platform must be robust and easy-to-use such that the HD-MEA can be used to perform the large variety of biological experiments for which it was designed.
The student will work on the development of a data acquisition platform that controls the HD-MEA and collects, processes and displays the measured data in real time. Specifically, the measurement data from the HD-MEA will be acquired by a dedicated hardware interface and directed to a PC for online visualization and storage. The platform will include a software to run on the PC, including a graphical user interface (GUI) through which the user can interact with the HD-MEA. Because our multi-functional HD-MEA has neurotransmitter, impedance, and additional electrophysiology measurement features, that go beyond voltage recording and stimulation units of common MEAs, the student will be required to develop completely new tools to a) give the experimenter easy control over these features and b) visualize this additional data in real time. This may include exploring different programming languages, system design and optimization, PCB design, measurements, and data analysis. The student will conduct _in vitro_ experiments on biological cells in collaboration with experienced experimenters with the goal to test and improve the platform.
**Required skills:** - Basic programming knowledge (C++, MATLAB) – Experience in data analysis
**Desirable skills:** - Experience in graphics programming (OpenGL, Qt) - PCB design – Basic biology/neuroscience knowledge
The student will work on the development of a data acquisition platform that controls the HD-MEA and collects, processes and displays the measured data in real time. Specifically, the measurement data from the HD-MEA will be acquired by a dedicated hardware interface and directed to a PC for online visualization and storage. The platform will include a software to run on the PC, including a graphical user interface (GUI) through which the user can interact with the HD-MEA. Because our multi-functional HD-MEA has neurotransmitter, impedance, and additional electrophysiology measurement features, that go beyond voltage recording and stimulation units of common MEAs, the student will be required to develop completely new tools to a) give the experimenter easy control over these features and b) visualize this additional data in real time. This may include exploring different programming languages, system design and optimization, PCB design, measurements, and data analysis. The student will conduct _in vitro_ experiments on biological cells in collaboration with experienced experimenters with the goal to test and improve the platform.
**Required skills:** - Basic programming knowledge (C++, MATLAB) – Experience in data analysis
Dr. Hasan Ulusan (hasan.ulusan@bsse.ethz.ch) and Roland Diggelmann (roland.diggelmann@bsse.ethz.ch). Please do not hesitate to contact us, if you have any queries.
Dr. Hasan Ulusan (hasan.ulusan@bsse.ethz.ch) and Roland Diggelmann (roland.diggelmann@bsse.ethz.ch). Please do not hesitate to contact us, if you have any queries.