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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Methodology for Biomimetic Chemical Neuromodulation of Rat Retinas with the Neurotransmitter Glutamate In Vitro
Published on: December 19, 2017
On-chip chemical stimulation of neurons by local and controlled release of neurotransmitter
Guillaume Mernier1, Dries Braeken, Danny Jans
1IMEC vzw, Bioelectronic Systems Group, Heverlee, Belgium. guillaume.mernier@imec.be
Abstract:
This paper describes the fabrication and in vitro testing of a device capable of chemically stimulating individual neurons. Electrophoretic actuation is used to locally induce the release of the neurotransmitter L-glutamate in a network of hippocampal neurons cultured on top of the device. Cell activation by the neurotransmitter is visualized using calcium imaging. Single-cell stimulation is demonstrated close to the release site after application of a voltage of 500 mV. Such a device could provide a useful tool in both basic and clinical neuroscience. In a broader context, this device can be used to locally release small amounts of chemical compounds in Lab-on-Chip and drug delivery applications.
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