Conductive polymer platforms for the integrated in vitro investigation of neural networks

Supervisors

Molly Stevens (Materials)
Ramon Vilar (Chemistry)

Studying neurons in a controlled setting is vital for understanding the workings of the brain and the processes that go wrong during the development of disease. An integral part of such studies is providing a suitable material which allows populations of cells to grow, interact and be investigated.

This highly interdisciplinary project, co-supervised by Profs Molly Stevens and Ramon Vilar, will develop scaffolds which combine conductive elements which stimulate neuronal signalling, with biological growth cues and bio-sensors for the detection of key neuronal metabolites. The versatile system developed will allow key questions in neurobiology and regenerative medicine to be addressed.