Functional Biointerfaces
 
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Sunil Rajput

Sunil graduated from Loughborough University with a Masters degree in Chemistry in 2013 with the added experience of a summer project in 2012 (on the modification of surfaces). His masters project involved the synthesis and functionalisation of silica beads as a means of extraction for heavy metal ions in solution. He is now working under the supervision of Dr. Mischa Zelzer and Dr. Noah Russell in designing novel surfaces which can both interface and stimulate neuronal networks on a cellular level.

  • In collaboration working towards creating a Simple Living Artificial Brain (SLAB project), Stimulation of neuronal cultures can currently be achieved through electrodes or drug loading but both have shown to have disadvantages that include cell survival. Coupling this with a responsive surface that has the ability to change form and/or function when subject to an external source such as light may hold the key to rapid stimulation and long-term cell survival.
  • Long term stimulation and cell survival of neuronal cultures is the main aim with the current goal to produce a neurotransmitter tethered to a light responsive surface, acting as a molecular switch, presenting and retracting the drug on demand. The neurotransmitters which will be used have shown to impact on the way memory's are formed in the brain, in specific GPCRs (Gs and Gq subunits) which regulate long term potentiation and long term depression.
 

Functional Biointerfaces

The University of Nottingham
Boots Science Building, University Park,
Nottingham, NG7 2RD


telephone: +44 (0) 115 74 84519
email:M.Zelzer@nottingham.ac.uk/a>