Towards integration of nerve cells and silicon devices

Abstract

We develop the interface between single neurons and silicon microstructures. The research has three prospects: (i) We may learn about the biophysics of neuron membranes. (ii) We may study neural networks by large scale stimulation and large scale recording of the response. (iii) We may see whether hybrid systems of neural tissue and silicon devices may be used for technological and medical purposes. At present the investigations are concerned with the physical basis of interfacing. It is shown, how direct stimulation and recording of neurons from silicon is achieved by electrical induction. The AC-transmission of the junctions is studied by patch-clamp technique. The geometry of the interface is visualized by fluorescence interferometry. The spatial resolution of interfacing is tested with an array of closely packed transistors. With respect to future developments we study the design of nets by guided growth of neurons from ganglia of leeches and snails and from the hippocampus of rats and the construction of a 2000-contact chip for multiple recording on the basis of modern CMOS-technology.