A transparent organic transistor structure for bidirectional stimulation and recording of primary neurons

Abstract

Real-time stimulation and recording of neural cell bioelectrical activity could provide an unprecedented insight in understanding the functions of the nervous system, and it is crucial for developing advanced in vitro drug screening approaches. Among organic materials, suitable candidates for cell interfacing can be found that combine long-term biocompatibility and mechanical flexibility. Here, we report on transparent organic cell stimulating and sensing transistors (O-CSTs), which provide bidirectional stimulation and recording of primary neurons. We demonstrate that the device enables depolarization and hyperpolarization of the primary neuron membrane potential. The transparency of the device also allows the optical imaging of the modulation of the neuron bioelectrical activity. The maximal amplitude-to-noise ratio of the extracellular recording achieved by the O-CST device exceeds that of a microelectrode array system on the same neuronal preparation by a factor of 16. Our organic cell stimulating and sensing device paves the way to a new generation of devices for stimulation, manipulation and recording of cell bioelectrical activity in vitro and in vivo.

Performance of Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide Thin-Film Transistors in Saline Solution

“…7 For neuronal recordings, field-effect transistors have advantages over microelectrode arrays (MEA) as they provide a higher signal to noise ratio. 8 Extracellular and intracellular recordings have been demonstrated using organic thin film transistors. [8][9][10] The signal to noise ratio can be further improved with higher field-effect mobility TFTs.…”

“…8 Extracellular and intracellular recordings have been demonstrated using organic thin film transistors. [8][9][10] The signal to noise ratio can be further improved with higher field-effect mobility TFTs. Therefore, we have developed thin-film transistors based on an indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) semiconductor with fieldeffect mobility orders of magnitude larger than that of organic TFTs.…”

Optical Control of Living Cells Electrical Activity by Conjugated Polymers

“…Apart from that, they can be easily functionalized to better adapt to the interface with living cells, and to enable specific excitation, probing and sensing capabilities. 11,12 Moreover, they support electronic as well as ionic transport, making them ideal for the combination of electronics ad biology. 13,14 Interestingly, they can work in photovoltaic mode, avoiding the need to apply an external bias for efficient cell optical stimulation.…”

Surface Modification of Cell Scaffold in Aqueous Solution Using TiO₂Photocatalysis and Linker Protein L2 for Patterning Primary Neurons<i></i>

“…Another popular coating for neuronal culture is laminin (Ln), a heterotrimeric ∼ 850 kDa protein that constitutes the ECM of the central nervous system and supports neuronal growth [4][5][6][7]. When coating the substrate with Ln or other ECM proteins, it is often combined with the cationic coatings in order to enhance the stability of their adsorption [8][9][10][11][12].…”