Research Work at the NeuroChip Laboratory

Hybrid neuroelectronic devices will be the basis for future information technology relying on the plasticity of networks formed by mammalian neurons in culture.

Microelectronic implants interfaced with neurons in the nervous tissue will become sophisticated neuroprostheses able to rescue impairments of the human nervous system.

The present project deals with the fundamental aspect of electronic interfacing of microstructured silicon chips to rat neurons in culture. Its focus is the optimization of electrical coupling in both directions, from excited mammalian neurons to transistors and from stimulation areas on the chip to the cells. This will be achieved with the expression of mutated sodium channels lacking inactivation in the neurons and with the induction of channels accumulation at the neuron-silicon interface. The use of highly integrated CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) chips is envisaged.

The Laboratory also has an Imaging Centre as Facility for Fluorescent Microscopy. This Imaging Center offers training and access to specialized fluorescence microscopy techniques.

There are mainly three research lines. They are -

1. CyberRat.

2. NaChip.

3. Electroporation.

In addition, the laboratory is a partner of the Convergent Science Network of biomimetic and biohybrid systems (CSN). The Convergent Science Network of biomimetic and biohybrid systems (CSN) is a coordination action (CA) for the development of future real-world technologies. CSN is supported through the Future and Emerging Technology programs (FET) of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) work programme of Framework Programme 7 of the European Commission. The details about the CNS can be found at  CSN project (Coordination Action).