Micronail chip to aid cell communication

A microchip capable of accurately recording and triggering real-time electrical activity of individual electrogenic cells has been developed at the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC).

Cortical neurons engulf microscopic nail structures on the surface of IMEC’s micronail chip (3-day in vitro culture)

IMEC have developed a micronail chip to study the communication mechanism between electronics and biological cells. The activity of electrogenic cells like cardiomyocytes (heart cells) or neurons (brain cells) are important in understanding the cause of brain disorders like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, and to validate the effect of drugs on cardiac cells.

 “We have a unique instrument to record and interpret the signals of the neurons. We can also stimulate neurons and follow up the consequences to unravel the functioning of our brain,” said Wolfgang Eberle, group manager of Bioelectronic systems.

The micronail chip consists of tiny nail structures made of a metal stem coated with an oxide layer and a conductive tip, like gold or titanium nitride. They are downsized to the size of cells.  When cells are applied to the chip’s surface, the cell membrane engulfs the nail structures leading to an intimate contact with the electrode.  This contact improves the signal-to-interference ratio, enabling precise recording of the electrical signals and stimulation of single cells. The new chip is mass-producible and easy-to-use.

“Little is known about the functioning of our brain,” said Kris Verstreken, director Bio-Nanoelectronics, “We can use the knowledge that we build up with in vitro experiments in our micronail chip to diagnose diseases, or even develop therapies, by stimulating cells, or building new communication bridges between cells after a brain infarction.”