Cell Biology

The function of any living organism is the sum of the individual behaviors of each of its cells. To gain a better understanding of information processing in the body and the function of the brain, we generate networks of tens, to several thousand cells that can be addressed individually in bio-hybrid systems. We use primary neurons, pluripotent cell lines, and electrogenic cell lines to create these systems. Our cell culture expertise includes patterning cell networks via surface modifications and localized protein patterning, the design and production of bioelectronics devices suitable for cell culture, structural control of network connectivity, and optogenetics.

We have shown the biocompatibility of many new materials for bioelectronic devices, as well as their ability to stimulate cells or detect cell signals. Our close collaboration with internal and external technology partners allows us to match cell culture systems to devices that need to be evaluated, as well as to generate custom devices to investigate specific biological questions. The controlled connectivity of cells and networks allows us to recapitulate connectivity of the brain in a simpler model system and to work towards biologic logic systems.

Contact:

Dr. Vanessa Maybeck
Tel.:  +49-2461-61-3675
e-mail: v.maybeck@fz-juelich.de