Impact of electro-mechanical microenvironment on neural connectivity
Abstract
Innovation in technology routinely leads the way for discovery in chemistry and biology. Existing technologies like neural probes and single molecule microscopy transformed our understanding, but they are being pushed to their limits. To continue to explore the inherent complexity of biological systems, innovative solutions are needed. A significant challenge in neurophysiology is understanding the robustness of neural connectivity in response to a perturbation. The current effort will develop and validate two complementary optical technologies to enable these measurements and validate them using the innovative neural microtissue system.The technologies revolve around advancing optical microscopy methods. The first is a read/write fluorescent indicator molecule and laser control system, and the second is an electromagnet optical microscopy imaging stage and magnetogel matrix. We will then use the systems to rigorously investigate the effect of single parameter (mechanical, chemical, electrical) and multi-parameter (mechano-chemical, electro-mechanical, chemo-electrical) modulation of neural microtissue function. This research program integrates past findings from disparate fields to shed light on this new emerging research area.Notably, the proposed effort builds on decades of research that has established that the chemical and biochemical microenvironment around cells and tissue can greatly influence the physiological response. For example, oxygen deprivation can impact neural function. Similar coupling between mechanical properties and biological functionhas been observed in a host of biological systems, and many initial studies focused on simple mechanical characterization measurements, like cell membrane elasticity. Therefore, the ability to actively manipulate the mechanical and biochemical environment while measuring the physiological response (or the activity state of the system) can provide additional insight into its behavior. For example, while it is known that neural cells have mechanoreceptors, the relationship between mechanical forces and neural activity is not completely understood.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412296
Entities
People
- Andrea Armani
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy