Neurons on silicon

1997/02/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ingeniaritza

Richard Potember, a scientist at the University of Baltimore in the United States, has managed to grow neurons on a silicon plate. This researcher's essay is basically simple and uses phenomena of chemical attraction.

Rub the silicon plate with fine, long molecules (what kind of molecules are secret). Then place some proteins on which the function of proteins is to grow neurons. Then it covers everything with neurons without growing. These neurons develop by growth factors and appear both axons and dendrites.

Biologists are looking forward to putting laboratory animals aside to test these materials. Among others, they would study the effects produced by alcohol, drugs or electrical stimuli.