Regensburg 2004 – scientific programme

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AKB: Biologische Physik

AKB 50: Poster Session "Biological Physics"

AKB 50.79: Poster

Friday, March 12, 2004, 10:30–13:00, B

Topologically Defined Networks of Mollusc Neurons Electrically Interfaced to Silicon Chips. — •Matthias Merz and Peter Fromherz — MPI für Biochemie, Abteilung Membran- und Neurophysik, D-82152 Martinsried

A detailed investigation of neuronal networks requires a defined topology of the synaptic connections and a stimulation and recording technique that allows long-term supervision of the neurons involved.

We fabricated silicon chips with arrays of two-way contacts of capacitive stimulators and field-effect transistors. On top of these chips, novel topographic polyester structures were processed, consisting of pits aligned with the two-way contacts and of narrow connecting grooves. Neurons from Lymnaea stagnalis were placed into the pits. The grooves guided the outgrowth of neurites and held them in their grown geometry, with the somata being immobilized by the pits. Electrical synapses formed when the growing neurites encountered in the grooves. Individual neurons of small nets were capacitively stimulated by voltage pulses applied to the chip. Signals propagated along the neurites, passed the synapses and triggered action potentials in postsynaptic neurons, which were recorded by the respective transistors.