Nano-Probe and Nano-FET Platform for Long-Term Cell Interfacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing platforms for studying electrophysiological states of excitable cells, such as neurons and cardiomyocytes, face limitations in simultaneously measuring electrical potentials and ion concentrations with high precision and cell survival over extended periods, due to low cell/microelectrode interaction and intrusive measurement methods.
Innovation Solution
A platform combining nano-probes and nano-FETs for simultaneous measurement of electrical potentials and ion concentrations, with nano-devices having a high surface/volume ratio and low intrusive nature, allowing precise and long-term cell interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If glass micropipette electrodes are used for high-quality electrophysiological measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but cell survival duration deteriorates due to intrusive penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the measurement function into two separate nano-devices: nano-probes for electrical potential measurement and nano-FETs for ion concentration measurement. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function with minimal intrusion into the cell, thereby maintaining both high measurement precision and long cell survival duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces nano-FETs as intermediary devices that measure ion concentrations extracellularly, eliminating the need for intrusive intracellular electrodes. The nano-FETs act as mediators that capture ion concentration information from the extracellular environment, indirectly providing data about cellular activity without damaging the cell.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If planar microelectrode arrays are used to avoid cell damage, then cell survival duration is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to access cell cytoplasm
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from planar (2D) microelectrode arrays to vertical (3D) nano-probes and nano-FETs. This dimensional change allows the devices to approach and interact with cells from the vertical dimension, enabling close proximity measurements of both electrical potentials and ion concentrations without requiring lateral penetration into the cell cytoplasm.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the scale parameter from micro-scale to nano-scale, reducing the size of the measurement devices by a factor of 1000. This parameter change enables the devices to operate in the nanometer regime where they can closely approach cell membranes and measure extracellular ion concentrations with high precision, effectively compensating for the loss of intracellular access.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional microelectrode arrays are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement capability deteriorates due to low cell/microelectrode interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the size parameter from micro-scale to nano-scale, which fundamentally improves the cell/device interaction ratio. The nano-scale dimensions of the probes and FETs create much stronger electromagnetic fields and closer proximity to the cell, resulting in significantly enhanced signal amplitudes while maintaining compatibility with standard semiconductor manufacturing processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables high-precision, long-term measurement and stimulation of electrical potentials and ion concentrations in cells, promoting cell survival and organized cultures without conformation constraints.
Implementation Method 1
the channel region of the field-effect transistor is sensitive to an ion concentration in the liquid medium
Implementation Method 2
Each nano-probe is used for measuring an electrochemical potential
Data Source
AI summary
A platform for cellular interfacing including at least one nano-probe based on nano-wires each having a conductive extremity intended to be in contact with a cell. The platform has at least one field-effect transistor called a nano-FET positioned at a predetermined distance from the nano-probe.