MEMS/NEMS for Neuroscience

A special issue of Micromachines (ISSN 2072-666X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 May 2017) | Viewed by 16495

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Interests: bio-MEMS; lab-on-a-chip systems; microfluidics and micro-optics; polymer micromachining; bio-imaging; neural networks

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Micro and Nano Electromechanical Systems (MEMS/NEMS) are increasingly used in a variety of applications in the field of neuroscience. Studies on single neurons, networks of cultured neurons and organoids, small model organisms, brain mapping, and stimulation have been greatly benefited by the use of microfluidic/lab-on-chip systems, neural probes, implantable biosensors, and microactuators. Key element of MEMS technology is its ability to interact with neurons and neuronal tissue through mechanical, optical, chemical, or electrical means with a high spatiotemporal accuracy. This Special Issue seeks to highlight recent advances of MEMS/NEMS technology in the field of basic and applied neuroscience, at the cellular and organism level. MEMS/NEMS tools for manipulating neuronal activity in vitro or in vivo are of special interest.

Prof. Dr. Nikos Chronis
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • brain-on-chip
  • lab-on-chip
  • microfluidics
  • biosensors
  • neural probes
  • neural dynamics
  • neural networks
  • neural imaging
  • neural interfaces

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Article
Microfluidic Neurons, a New Way in Neuromorphic Engineering?
by Timothée Levi and Teruo Fujii
Micromachines 2016, 7(8), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi7080146 - 22 Aug 2016
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7155
Abstract
This article describes a new way to explore neuromorphic engineering, the biomimetic artificial neuron using microfluidic techniques. This new device could replace silicon neurons and solve the issues of biocompatibility and power consumption. The biological neuron transmits electrical signals based on ion flow [...] Read more.
This article describes a new way to explore neuromorphic engineering, the biomimetic artificial neuron using microfluidic techniques. This new device could replace silicon neurons and solve the issues of biocompatibility and power consumption. The biological neuron transmits electrical signals based on ion flow through their plasma membrane. Action potentials are propagated along axons and represent the fundamental electrical signals by which information are transmitted from one place to another in the nervous system. Based on this physiological behavior, we propose a microfluidic structure composed of chambers representing the intra and extracellular environments, connected by channels actuated by Quake valves. These channels are equipped with selective ion permeable membranes to mimic the exchange of chemical species found in the biological neuron. A thick polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane is used to create the Quake valve membrane. Integrated electrodes are used to measure the potential difference between the intracellular and extracellular environments: the membrane potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue MEMS/NEMS for Neuroscience)
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Review

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Review
Neural Circuits on a Chip
by Md. Fayad Hasan and Yevgeny Berdichevsky
Micromachines 2016, 7(9), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi7090157 - 5 Sep 2016
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 8787
Abstract
Neural circuits are responsible for the brain’s ability to process and store information. Reductionist approaches to understanding the brain include isolation of individual neurons for detailed characterization. When maintained in vitro for several days or weeks, dissociated neurons self-assemble into randomly connected networks [...] Read more.
Neural circuits are responsible for the brain’s ability to process and store information. Reductionist approaches to understanding the brain include isolation of individual neurons for detailed characterization. When maintained in vitro for several days or weeks, dissociated neurons self-assemble into randomly connected networks that produce synchronized activity and are capable of learning. This review focuses on efforts to control neuronal connectivity in vitro and construct living neural circuits of increasing complexity and precision. Microfabrication-based methods have been developed to guide network self-assembly, accomplishing control over in vitro circuit size and connectivity. The ability to control neural connectivity and synchronized activity led to the implementation of logic functions using living neurons. Techniques to construct and control three-dimensional circuits have also been established. Advances in multiple electrode arrays as well as genetically encoded, optical activity sensors and transducers enabled highly specific interfaces to circuits composed of thousands of neurons. Further advances in on-chip neural circuits may lead to better understanding of the brain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue MEMS/NEMS for Neuroscience)
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