Award Abstract #0210656
NER: Bioelectronic Interfacing of Living Cells via Self-Assembled Microwires

NSF Org:	IOS Division of Integrative Organismal Systems
Initial Amendment Date:	August 12, 2002
Latest Amendment Date:	September 13, 2004
Award Number:	0210656
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Gerald Selzer IOS Division of Integrative Organismal Systems BIO Directorate for Biological Sciences
Start Date:	September 1, 2002
Expires:	February 28, 2005 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$90000
Investigator(s):	Orlin Velev odvelev@unity.ncsu.edu (Principal Investigator) Peter Kilpatrick (Co-Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	North Carolina State University CAMPUS BOX 7514 RALEIGH, NC 27695 919/515-2444
NSF Program(s):	BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, NANOSCALE: EXPLORATORY RSRCH, PARTICULATE &MULTIPHASE PROCES, INTERFAC PROCESSES & THERMODYN
Field Application(s):	0000099 Other Applications NEC
Program Reference Code(s):	BIOT, 9183, 5500, 1676, 1192
Program Element Code(s):	5345, 1676, 1415, 1414

ABSTRACT



Bioelectronic interfacing of living cells via self-assembled microwires

We propose to develop a new method for creating bioelectronic circuits that will allow targeting and electrically interfacing specific molecules on the membrane of living cells, incorporating the cells into larger electrical circuits. This method is based on a new technique reported recently by one of the PIs (Science, 294, 1082, 2001) that allows the assembly of long, electrically conductive microwires directly from suspensions of metallic nanoparticles. The microwires are assembled via dielectrophoresis, the particle mobility and interactions in alternating electric field. We will devise techniques for controlled growth of microwires in thin chambers and microfluidic channels, and will develop experimental and theoretical tools for cell and wire manipulation in the electrical field leading to cell interfacing.

Bioelectronic interfacing is one of the promising, yet underdeveloped, areas of nanoscience research. The success of this project could lead to development of new sensors, where the response of living cells to different toxins, biological or chemical agents is detected with greater precision and sensitivity. It can also help in developing tools for in situ interfacing of cells in living tissues (such as neurons). Current techniques either let the cells sit on top of electrode arrays or impale them via microelectrodes. In contrast, we will complete the connection between the cells and the electrical circuits via nanoparticle self-assembly, a potentially much more flexible and powerful approach.

Please report errors in award information by writing to: awardsearch@nsf.gov.