Graphene-Based Interfaces Do Not Alter Target Nerve Cells

ACS Nano. 2016 Jan 26;10(1):615-23. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.5b05647. Epub 2016 Jan 5.

Abstract

Neural-interfaces rely on the ability of electrodes to transduce stimuli into electrical patterns delivered to the brain. In addition to sensitivity to the stimuli, stability in the operating conditions and efficient charge transfer to neurons, the electrodes should not alter the physiological properties of the target tissue. Graphene is emerging as a promising material for neuro-interfacing applications, given its outstanding physico-chemical properties. Here, we use graphene-based substrates (GBSs) to interface neuronal growth. We test our GBSs on brain cell cultures by measuring functional and synaptic integrity of the emerging neuronal networks. We show that GBSs are permissive interfaces, even when uncoated by cell adhesion layers, retaining unaltered neuronal signaling properties, thus being suitable for carbon-based neural prosthetic devices.

Keywords: graphene; hippocampal cultures; liquid phase exfoliation; neuronal interfaces; patch clamp; synaptic networks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Biocompatible Materials / pharmacology*
  • Cell Adhesion / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Electrodes
  • Graphite / pharmacology*
  • Hippocampus
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Neurons / drug effects*
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Neurons / ultrastructure
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Primary Cell Culture
  • Rats
  • Synapses / drug effects*
  • Synapses / physiology
  • Synapses / ultrastructure
  • Synaptic Transmission / drug effects

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Graphite