On-chip microelectrode arrays (MEAs) are capable of providing an electrical interface to neurons and constitute an important toolkit in neuroscience and neurotechnology. Active frontiers include leveraging nanotechnology to build next-generation neuron-chip interfaces by means of complex 3D nanostructures. We recently built several prototype chips with new electrode array designs, and associated custom control electronics. Your main mode of experimentation involves growing in-vitro neurons on these arrays and acquiring their electrical information.
By experimenting with different growth conditions as well as electrical setup parameters, you will investigate and then optimize two related aspects of this system - (A) biological: cell viability and distribution on these particular substrates; and (B) electrical: quality of electrical information (voltage activities, impedances) obtainable from in-vitro neural networks.
While there is some flexibility in how to tailor the scope and focus of the project to your interest and background, generally, you should expect this project to be fairly interdisciplinary. As such, we offer ample opportunities to collaborate and train with team members from diverse backgrounds. You will potentially gain experiences in a host of practical skillsets: cell culture techniques, electrophysiological measurements, fluorescence confocal microscopy, software development, electrical instrumentation.
Required background (at least two of the followings):
Some programing experiences.
Some understandings of analog electronics.
Familiarity with cell culture techniques.
On-chip microelectrode arrays (MEAs) are capable of providing an electrical interface to neurons and constitute an important toolkit in neuroscience and neurotechnology. Active frontiers include leveraging nanotechnology to build next-generation neuron-chip interfaces by means of complex 3D nanostructures. We recently built several prototype chips with new electrode array designs, and associated custom control electronics. Your main mode of experimentation involves growing in-vitro neurons on these arrays and acquiring their electrical information.
By experimenting with different growth conditions as well as electrical setup parameters, you will investigate and then optimize two related aspects of this system - (A) biological: cell viability and distribution on these particular substrates; and (B) electrical: quality of electrical information (voltage activities, impedances) obtainable from in-vitro neural networks.
While there is some flexibility in how to tailor the scope and focus of the project to your interest and background, generally, you should expect this project to be fairly interdisciplinary. As such, we offer ample opportunities to collaborate and train with team members from diverse backgrounds. You will potentially gain experiences in a host of practical skillsets: cell culture techniques, electrophysiological measurements, fluorescence confocal microscopy, software development, electrical instrumentation.
Required background (at least two of the followings): Some programing experiences. Some understandings of analog electronics. Familiarity with cell culture techniques.
