Neuroengineering
Joint lab with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and IT, RWTH Aachen
Inspired by the shape and geometries found in the extracellular matrix with its fibrils, pits and posts, engineered micro- and nanoelectrodes, such as nanoholes, grooves and pillars, have recently emerged as promising candidates for designing biomimetic neurointerfaces. The research area focuses on engineering bioelectronic devices with 3D vertical structures by means of 2-photon lithography (2PP): such technique, based on 2-photon absorption, enables the fabrication of 3D micro and nanostructures (with a resolution limit down to 1 µm) recalling neuronal features in order to improve the cell-chip coupling. Furthermore, we aim to improve the biomimetic properties of such devices by using supporting lipid bilayers, artificial cell membranes able to mask electronic devices so that they can actually resemble cells outer architecture. Finally, to mimic the dynamicity of biological systems, the group focuses also on exploiting new materials, which could couple dynamic and electrical properties at once, guaranteeing an instantaneous reshaping of the cell-material interface while enabling the real time monitoring of neuronal signals. Research line includes also the cell-material interface characterization by means of scanning electron microscopy coupled with focused ion beam.
