Hybrid electro-optical nanosystem for neurons investigation

• Published in: Solid state sciences Vol. 12; no. 11; pp. 1917 - 1922
• Main Authors: Miu, Mihaela, Kleps, Irina, Craciunoiu, Florea, Simion, Monica, Bragaru, Adina, Ignat, Teodora
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Issy-les-Moulineaux Elsevier Masson SAS 01.11.2010; Elsevier Masson
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Electronics; Exact sciences and technology; Micro- and nanoelectromechanical devices (mems/nems); Microfluidics; Nanoelectrode; Opto-electronic detection; Porous silicon; Semiconductor electronics. Microelectronics. Optoelectronics. Solid state devices; Opto-electronic detection; Porous silicon; Nanoelectrode; Microfluidics; Dimethylsiloxane polymer; Fluid mechanics; Optoelectronics; Porous semiconductors; Nanoelectromechanical device; Microelectronics; Chip; Array; Optical system; Transducer; Neuron; Biosensor; Electrooptical effect; Recording material; Optical elements
• ISSN: 1293-2558; 1873-3085
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2010.08.015

The scope of this paper is development of a new laboratory-on-a-chip (LOC) device for biomedical studies consisting of a microfluidic system coupled to microelectronic/optical transducers with nanometric features, commonly called biosensors. The proposed device is a hybrid system with sensing element on silicon (Si) chip and microfluidic system on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates, taking into accounts their particular advantages. Different types of nanoelectrode arrays, positioned in the reactor, have been investigated as sensitive elements for electrical detection and the recording of neuron extracellular electric activity has been monitorized in parallel with whole-cell patch-clamp membrane current. Moreover, using an additional porosification process the sensing element became efficient for optical detection also. The preliminary test results demonstrate the functionality of the proposed design and also the fabrication technology, the devices bringing advantages in terms enhancement of sensitivity in both optoelectronic detection schemes. A new laboratory-on-a-chip (LOC) device for biomedical studies that consists on a microfluidic system coupled to transducers with nanometric features, commonly called biosensors, has been developed. Besides recording of neuronal electrophysiological activities using the nanoelectrode array, the supplementary porosification process allows performing of an optical investigation [Display omitted] .