A diamond-based biosensor for the recording of neuronal activity

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Cultured neuronal networks exhibit spontaneous electrical activity crucial for studying neural function.
• Conventional microelectrode arrays (MEAs) are widely used for recording neuronal signals.
• Diamond-based materials offer unique properties for biosensing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel biosensor for recording extracellular electrical activity from cultured neuronal networks.
• To evaluate the performance of hydrogen-terminated (H-terminated) conductive diamond for neuronal recordings.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of multiparametrical recordings using diamond-based cellular biosensors.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a hydrogen-terminated (H-terminated) conductive diamond device for cell culture and signal recording.
• Employed GT1-7 neuronal cell line, known for spontaneous action potential firing.
• Compared recorded signals with conventional microelectrode arrays (MEAs) and patch-clamp recordings.

Main Results:

• GT1-7 cells maintained functional properties on the H-terminated diamond surface for extended periods.
• Recorded extracellular electrical activity showed well-resolved bursts of fast (approx. 8ms) and slow (approx. 60ms) biphasic signals.
• Signal time courses closely matched those from conventional MEAs and intracellular patch-clamp recordings.

Conclusions:

• Conductive H-terminated diamond surfaces can effectively record neuronal electrical activity via capacitative coupling.
• Diamond-based biosensors are feasible for multiparametrical recordings of electrical activity from living cells.
• This technology expands the capabilities of cellular biosensors for neuroscience research.