|
Project Description:
In addition to tissue
regeneration approaches, there exists a need to develop parallel bioprosthetics
or bioelectronics therapies that can be used to augment or replace tissue
function.
We are collaborating
with Dr. Brian
Korgel in the Chemical Engineering Department at UT-Austin and
Dr. Angela Belcher in Chemistry at UT-Austin (soon to move to MIT) in an effort
to design highly specific, close interactions between cells (neurons) and
semiconductor materials. Our goal is to improve the interface between electronic
materials and cells, for future bioelectronics applications. We are currently
working on optimizing and controlling the interface between cadmium sulfide
semiconductor quantum dots (small particles of semiconductor materials that
possess unique optical and electrical properties) using highly specific peptide
sequences that directly bind to the synthetic semiconductor surface and the
cell's surface. Our next step is to monitor and control the communication
between the quantum dots and the cells. To do this, we are using "chips" or
microelectrode arrays as a means to "read out" the change in membrane potential for cells
that are activated by the quantum dots.
The figure
above is a scanning electron micrograph of a 400 x 400 micron square array created using electron-beam
lithography.
Recent Publications:
-
Winter, J.O., T.Y. Liu, B.A. Korgel, C.E. Schmidt (2001). Biomolecule-directed interfacing between semiconductor quantum dots and nerve cells. Advanced Materials.13:1673-1677.*Download PDF File*
|
