Microscopy & Microtechniques
Spinning microparticles can direct the growth of nerve fiber
Dec 20 2011
Researchers in Texas have made significant advances in the treatment of spinal and brain injuries by discovering how spinning microparticles can direct the growth of nerve fiber.
The study, based on Samarendra Mohanty's hypothesis that neurons can respond to physical (e.g. fluid flow) cues in addition to chemical cues, could allow for directed growth of neuronal networks on a chip, which would improve certain medical methods.
The laser-driven spinning calcite microparticle caused a shearing effect by creating a microfluidic flow, which could guide the direction of neuron growth.
This is a significant advancement, demonstrating that microfluidic flow can turn neurons in a controlled manner, something that hasn’t been achieved previously. Using this method, it is possible to turn neurons left and right and quickly insert or remove the rotating beads as needed. The method can also be used to funnel growth between two rotating particles.
Authors of the paper, Michael Berns and Samarendra Mohanty, commented: "One can envision large arrays of these devices that can direct large numbers of axons to different locations.
"This may have the potential for use in vivo to direct regenerating axons to mediate brain and spinal cord repair."
Digital Edition
ILM 49.5 July
July 2024
Chromatography Articles - Understanding PFAS: Analysis and Implications Mass Spectrometry & Spectroscopy Articles - MS detection of Alzheimer’s blood-based biomarkers LIMS - Essent...
View all digital editions
Events
Jul 30 2024 Jakarta, Indonesia
Jul 31 2024 Chengdu, China
ACS National Meeting - Fall 2024
Aug 18 2024 Denver, CO, USA
Aug 25 2024 Copenhagen, Denmark
Aug 28 2024 Phnom Penh, Cambodia