Semiconducting Nanowires for Engineering Functional Neural Networks In Vitro

Engineering neuronal circuits on artificial substrates using external parameters provides a novel way to understand the mechanisms underlying circuit formation in the brain [1]. It also provides insights into designing regenerative implants to interface with the nervous system. In this presentation, I will demonstrate the use of semiconducting nanowires as topographical cues to guide the formation of functional neural networks. Here I will present vertically aligned semiconductor nanowires for guiding growth of neural networks in neuronal cell cultures. Our results show that nanowires act as nanoscale topographical cues for neuronal growth, resulting in a directional growth of the processes and highly interconnected neuronal network. Our studies confirm that the alignment of cellular processes along nanowire patterns produces a highly interconnected neural network and correlates with a synchronized activity between neurons [2]. I will also present some of the recent insights into the mechanisms behind these observations where we have explored the effect of electronic properties of the substrates on the growth and function of neural networks.<br/><br/>[1] V Raj et al, Understanding, engineering, and modulating the growth of neural networks: An interdisciplinary approach <i>Biophys Rev (</i>2021)<br/>[2] <u>V. Gautam</u>, et al, Engineering highly interconnected neuronal networks on nanopillar arrays <i>Nano Lett.</i> (2017)<i>.</i>