Dissertation / PhD Thesis

FZJ-2015-05542

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Nanocavity Arrays for Extracellular Recording and Stimulation of Electroactive Cell Systems

Czeschik, A. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2016
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Zentralbibliothek, Verlag Jülich
ISBN: 978-3-95806-144-6

Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/11603  urn:nbn:de:0001-2016063029

Abstract: Microelectrode arrays (MEAs) are state-of-the-art devices for extracellular recording and stimulation of biological tissue. Furthermore, they are a relevant tool for the development of biomedical applications like retina, cochlear and motor prostheses, cardiac pacemakers and drug screening. Hence, research on functional cell-sensor interfaces, as well as the development of new surface structures and modifications for improved electrode characteristics, is a vivid and well established field. Combining single-cell resolution with sufficient signal coupling remains challenging due to poor cell-electrode sealing. Furthermore, electrodes with diameters below 20 μm often suffer from a high electrical impedance affecting the noise during voltage recordings. In this study, a nanocavity sensor array with nanostructured electrodes for voltage-controlled stimulation and extracellular action potential recordings on cellular networks is presented. This work mainly consists of four parts: The device fabrication, its characterization, followed by the device evaluation for cell applications. Additionally, an alternative electrogenic cell system is investigated, emphasizing the advantages of a neuron-like cell system, which is not relying on animal use for primary cell culture. First, a simplified method for the fabrication of nanocavity arrays is realized, based on utilizing the sacrificial layer of a conventional MEA and is performed by a wet-etch procedure. The device’s stability is tested under cell culture conditions by culturing cardiomyocyte-like cells on chip. Next, the nanostructuring of the electrode surface by interdiffusion is introduced and the device is characterized in terms of electrode impedance and capacity in order to evaluate the electric properties for cell interactions. To examine the underlying structuring processes in detail, microscopic investigations are carried out targeting surface roughness, structure and composition. The results are discussed in relation to possible foreign atoms and contaminations, influencing hydrophilicity and electrode capacitance as two important parameters in interfacing cells electrophysiologically. Finally, the device’s functionality for cell applications is demonstrated by cell adhesion investigations, action potential recordings and stimulation. Subsequently, different strategies in differentiation of the commercially available neuronal progenitor cell-line ReNcell VM are tested. Differentiated cells are electrically stimulated, demonstrating the development of voltage-gated ion channels. Im summary, a system for investigation of cell-chip communication is presented, completed by an approach to develop a neuron-like electrogenic cell model based on cell-line differentiation instead of primary cell culture.

Note: RWTH Aachen, Diss., 2016

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Bioelektronik (PGI-8)

Research Program(s):

1. 523 - Controlling Configuration-Based Phenomena (POF3-523) (POF3-523)

Appears in the scientific report 2015

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Database coverage:
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