Thesis Project Form
Title (tentative): Design, implementation, and testing of experimental techniques to investigate acoustic neuromodulation mediated by piezeoelectric nanoparticles| Thesis advisor(s): Raiteri Roberto | E-mail: |
| Address: Via Opera pia 11a 16145 Genova | Phone: (+39) 010 33 52762 |
Description
Motivation and application domain
The broad topic of this thesis project is the development of novel neuroprosthetics and treatments to compensate neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, the idea is to implement a neuromodulation technique based on ultrasound stimulation mediated by piezoelectric nanoparticles
General objectives and main activities
The aim of the thesis project is to gain a better understanding of the mechanism at the basis of a novel stimulation paradigm of in vitro neuronal networks. The paradigm is based on mechanical stimulation (pressure waves) transduced into a local electrical stimulation (by means of piezolectric nanoparticles).
Toward such goal the student will develop and test two different approaches to investigate: 1. the effects of a selective deposition of piezoelectric nanoparticles and 2. the effects of a combined electrical and mechanical stimulation
Toward such goal the student will develop and test two different approaches to investigate: 1. the effects of a selective deposition of piezoelectric nanoparticles and 2. the effects of a combined electrical and mechanical stimulation
Training Objectives (technical/analytical tools, experimental methodologies)
The student will be trained in:
- 3D printing
- soft lithography
- electrophysiological recording using Micro Electrode Arrays (MEAs)
- microcontroller operation/programming
- 3D printing
- soft lithography
- electrophysiological recording using Micro Electrode Arrays (MEAs)
- microcontroller operation/programming
Place(s) where the thesis work will be carried out:
Additional information
Maximum number of students: 1