Model
Digital Document
Description
Current research in prosthetic device design aims to mimic natural movements using a feedback
system that connects to the patient's own nerves to control the device. The first step in
using neurons to control motion is to make and maintain contact between neurons and the
feedback sensors. Therefore, the goal of this project was to determine if changes in electrode
resistance could be detected when a neuron extended a neurite to contact a sensor.
Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were harvested from chick embryos and cultured on a collagencoated
carbon nanotube microelectrode array for two days. The DRG were seeded along
one side of the array so the processes extended across the array, contacting about half of
the electrodes. Electrode resistance was measured both prior to culture and after the two
day culture period. Phase contrast images of the microelectrode array were taken after two
days to visually determine which electrodes were in contact with one or more DRG neurite
or tissue. Electrodes in contact with DRG neurites had an average change in resistance of
0.15 MΩ compared with the electrodes without DRG neurites. Using this method, we determined
that resistance values can be used as a criterion for identifying electrodes in contact
with a DRG neurite. These data are the foundation for future development of an autonomous
feedback resistance measurement system to continuously monitor DRG neurite outgrowth
at specific spatial locations.
system that connects to the patient's own nerves to control the device. The first step in
using neurons to control motion is to make and maintain contact between neurons and the
feedback sensors. Therefore, the goal of this project was to determine if changes in electrode
resistance could be detected when a neuron extended a neurite to contact a sensor.
Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were harvested from chick embryos and cultured on a collagencoated
carbon nanotube microelectrode array for two days. The DRG were seeded along
one side of the array so the processes extended across the array, contacting about half of
the electrodes. Electrode resistance was measured both prior to culture and after the two
day culture period. Phase contrast images of the microelectrode array were taken after two
days to visually determine which electrodes were in contact with one or more DRG neurite
or tissue. Electrodes in contact with DRG neurites had an average change in resistance of
0.15 MΩ compared with the electrodes without DRG neurites. Using this method, we determined
that resistance values can be used as a criterion for identifying electrodes in contact
with a DRG neurite. These data are the foundation for future development of an autonomous
feedback resistance measurement system to continuously monitor DRG neurite outgrowth
at specific spatial locations.
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