Thesis Project Form

Brain is made up of different regions characterized by different neuronal types. Such heterogeneity contributes to generate peculiar dynamics at the network level. Goal of this project is to characterize the dynamics originated by the mutual interaction of homogeneous (before) and heterogeneous networks coupled to Micro-Electrode Arrays containing 120 microelectrodes.

The project will contain the following steps: 1. Experiments and characterization of network dynamics of homogeneous cortical neuronal populations segregated by means of PDMS confinements; 2. Experiments and characterization of network dynamics of heterogeneous neuronal populations made up of cortico-striatal-thalamic neurons; 3. Characterization of the avalanche distribution of the cortical population when connected or not with the other cell types.

The activities of the thesis will require the use of an innovative experimental set-up which allows to simultaneously record the electrophysiological activity of hundreds of microelectrodes. In addition, in order to interconnect different neuronal populations, the master student will realize PDMS mask to clusterize such networks.