Nanobioelectronics
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to nanobioelectronics and, in some cases, to circuits comprising nanoelectronic elements, such as nanotubes and/or nanowires, and biological components, such as neurons. In one aspect, cells, such as neurons, are positioned in electrical communication with one or more nanoscale wires. The nanoscale wires may be used to stimulate the cells, and/or determine an electrical condition of the cells. More than one nanoscale wire may be positioned in electrical communication with the cell, for example, in distinct regions of the cell. However, the nanoscale wires may be positioned such that they are relatively close together, for example, spaced apart by no more than about 200 nm. The nanoscale wires may be disposed on a substrate, for example, between electrodes, and the cells may be adhered to the substrate, for example, using cell adhesion factors such as polylysine. Also provided in other aspects of the invention are methods for making and using such devices, kits for using the same, and the like.
44 Citations
31 Claims
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1. (canceled)
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6-7. -7. (canceled)
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10. An article, comprising:
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a nanoscale wire positioned between two electrical connectors each on a surface; and a cell in electrical communication with the nanoscale wire such that an electrical state of the cell can be altered by passing electrical current through the nanoscale wire. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15)
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13-14. -14. (canceled)
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16-19. -19. (canceled)
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20. A method, comprising:
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passing electrical current through a nanoscale wire in physical contact with a neuron; and passing sufficient electrical current through the nanoscale wire such that the neuron depolarizes. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22)
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23. (canceled)
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24. A method, comprising:
determining an electrical state of a cell by passing current through a nanoscale wire positioned between two electrical connectors each on a surface. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31-54. -54. (canceled)
Specification