Thesis Project Form
Title (tentative): Connecting biological and artificial neurons to restore injured neuronal networks| Thesis advisor(s): Chiappalone Michela | E-mail: |
| Address: Via Opera Pia 13, 16145 Genova | Phone: |
Description
Motivation and application domain
The goal of this project is to test the capability of a hybrid neuromorphic device to either modulate he dynamics of a biological neuronal system or to restore its functionality in case of an injury. This thesis falls within the multidisciplinary domain named ‘neuroengineering’.
General objectives and main activities
The general objectives and activities are following:
1. To learn how to prepare and maintain in vitro experimental models, in particular multi-modular patterned neuronal cultures.
2. To perform experiments on the developed experimental model aimed at demonstrating two hypotheses: i) the neuromorphic device, where an artificial neural network is implemented, can modulate the dynamics of a biological neural network; ii) the neuromorphic device can ‘replace’ one biological sub-network which is not functioning any more due to an injury
3. To analyze and interpret the results obtained during the experiments, also developing specific pieces of code.
1. To learn how to prepare and maintain in vitro experimental models, in particular multi-modular patterned neuronal cultures.
2. To perform experiments on the developed experimental model aimed at demonstrating two hypotheses: i) the neuromorphic device, where an artificial neural network is implemented, can modulate the dynamics of a biological neural network; ii) the neuromorphic device can ‘replace’ one biological sub-network which is not functioning any more due to an injury
3. To analyze and interpret the results obtained during the experiments, also developing specific pieces of code.
Training Objectives (technical/analytical tools, experimental methodologies)
• Manipulation and maintenance of biological tissue
• Learn how to program a neuromorphic device
• Testing neuronal in vitro model systems
• Data analysis and statistical testing
• Learn how to program a neuromorphic device
• Testing neuronal in vitro model systems
• Data analysis and statistical testing
Place(s) where the thesis work will be carried out: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
Additional information
Pre-requisite abilities/skills: basic MATLAB programming skills
Maximum number of students: 1