Bioprinting electrical networks iPrint
Abstract
To decode the full complexity of information processing in the nervous systems it is essential to study the connectivity and function of neurons, which requires versatile neurostimulation and imaging techniques. Cutting-edge methods in neuroimaging, optogenetics,and bioelectronics have been used to identify the type of involved neurons, to decipher the functions of specific regions in brain,and to untangle their wiring. To date, despite the high performance of innovative methodologies to record and modulate electrogenictissue improving morphology, limiting invasiveness, and decreasing mechanical stiffness major obstacles to study neural function and networking still exist. They rely in the foreign body response, detrimental reactions at the biotic/abiotic interface, and the uniqueness of the biological environment they interact with. On the other side, the enormous complexity of human brain imposes the needfor more simple nervous system to correlate neural circuits to functional activity. A breakthrough methodology should empower tissues to autonomously produce electrical circuits, seamlessly integrated into the cells. Leveraging on the capability of living organisms to shape the matter into complex structures, iPrint will transform the concept of electrical access to the cells, arming the cells with conductive structures seamlessly integrated within the cell milieu. Organic semiconductor oligomers will be employed as substrate and the invertebrate Hydra as model, based on previous evidence showing the capability of this organism to fabricate conductiveinterfaces in specific cell types. iPrint will understand whether the conducting p(ETES) interfaces embedded into the animal tissuecould be used as soft implantable electrodes establishing novel electrical connectivity in the tissues. In addition, through a synthetic biology approach, iPrint will reprogram the synthesis of the electronic structures in specific cell types, leading to synthetic electrical networks. The creation of neural network in vivo with designed topology is a valuable tool to decipher how neurons behave when interacting in hierarchical networks. Their electrical stimulation may allow modulation of the endogenous bioelectric signalling and the plethora of processes governed by these signals, impacting on a variety of fields, from biology to bioelectronics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 13, 2023
- Source ID
- N629092312110
Entities
People
- Claudia Tortiglione
Organizations
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy