RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Interfacing Neurons with Carbon Nanotubes: Electrical Signal Transfer and Synaptic Stimulation in Cultured Brain Circuits
JF The Journal of Neuroscience
JO J. Neurosci.
FD Society for Neuroscience
SP 6931
OP 6936
DO 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1051-07.2007
VO 27
IS 26
A1 Mazzatenta, Andrea
A1 Giugliano, Michele
A1 Campidelli, Stephane
A1 Gambazzi, Luca
A1 Businaro, Luca
A1 Markram, Henry
A1 Prato, Maurizio
A1 Ballerini, Laura
YR 2007
UL http://www.jneurosci.org/content/27/26/6931.abstract
AB The unique properties of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and the application of nanotechnology to the nervous system may have a tremendous impact in the future developments of microsystems for neural prosthetics as well as immediate benefits for basic research. Despite increasing interest in neuroscience nanotechnologies, little is known about the electrical interactions between nanomaterials and neurons. We developed an integrated SWNT–neuron system to test whether electrical stimulation delivered via SWNT can induce neuronal signaling. To that aim, hippocampal cells were grown on pure SWNT substrates and patch clamped. We compared neuronal responses to voltage steps delivered either via conductive SWNT substrates or via the patch pipette. Our experimental results, supported by mathematical models to describe the electrical interactions occurring in SWNT–neuron hybrid systems, clearly indicate that SWNTs can directly stimulate brain circuit activity.