Spine-shaped Gold Protrusions Improve The Adherence And Electrical Coupling Of Neurons With The Surface Of Micro-electronic Devices

Main Category: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 22 May 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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Interfacing neurons with micro- and nano-electronic devices has been a subject of intense studies over the last decade and is used both in basic research and medical applications. The electronic devices used in such neuroelectronic hybrids are mainly planar metal electrodes and planar transistors.

In this research a novel approach is presented, demonstrating the use of protruding micrometer scale spine-shaped gold electrodes.
The gold spines were coated with a molecule promoting the engulfment of the electrode. The interface between the neuron and the electrode is shown by way of electron microscopy and high electrical coupling between the neuron and the electronic device.

Source
Journal of the Royal Society Interface