Research Projects

The functioning of the brain is based fundamentally on the electrochemical communication between the neurons and their networks. Huge research effort has been focused on understanding brain function by measuring electrical potentials across neurons with fine spatial and temporal resolution. These potential changes fall in two categories: action potentials (a few mV, ~ µs) and sub-threshold potentials (a few µV, ~ ms). Conventional techniques for neural signal recording, such as patch-clamp, can measure sub-threshold potentials across a neuron at high S/N ratio. However, this technique cannot measure signals from multiple neurons simultaneously, or from a single neuron for a long time. Another technique, the multielectrode array recording, can detect long-term action potentials from multiple neurons, but its capability to measure sub-threshold potentials is poor. Hence there is a crucial need of a technology that can non-invasively measure both sub-threshold signals and action potentials at a high spatio-temporal resolution across a network of neurons. Such information is crucial to completely understand how information processing occurs in the brain. In this project, we propose the development of a nanoscale interface that can allow recording of both action potentials and sub-threshold potentials at high spatiotemporal resolution from a neural network. We aim to develop 3D, vertically aligned, individually accessible and addressable nanowire arrays using the latest techniques in micro-nano fabrication. We will create appropriate nanoelectrode geometries so they will readily access the intracellular space and sense neuronal cell activity in high spatial and temporal resolution with minimal invasiveness. We hypothesize that such nanowire electrodes will provide a significant advancement to the current limitations of the conventional electrophysiology techniques. Our overall aims in this project will be to: (1) develop high resolution, biocompatible and mechanically stable nanoelectrodes on-a-chip; (2) Examine the neural signal recording capabilities of these nanoelectrodes. This project will be carried out by an interdisciplinary team with expertise in neuroelectronics, nanotechnology and device physics. Collectively, PI Vini Gautam and co-PI Navakanta Bhat have expertise with cell and tissue models, electrophysiology recordings, on-chip sensors and device fabrication. Dr Gautam is a leader in neural interface technologies, including neural cell cultures and electrophysiological measurements. Prof Bhat is a professor is well-renowned for his contributions in the field of nanoscale sensors and electronic devices. The outcome of this project will provide a vastly improved understanding of how the brain works, as well as how nanotechnology can be used to address some of the bottlenecks in the fields of neuroscience and electrophysiology.