The current standards for whole-brain in vivo imaging cannot provide the resolution and neuron stimulation needed to study neuronal plasticity. Current in vivo studies of neuronal dynamics are limited to animal models, due to the deleterious effects of fluorophores. Nanoparticle quantum dots (QDs) are a promising alternative to traditional fluorophores. QDs have properties that can elicit electrical activity in neurons. Scientists at the University of Nova Gorica are studying this interaction. We designed a perfusion system to deliver drugs and QDs to neuron cultures. Using this device, and calcium imaging techniques, we demonstrated that the mechanism of interaction between carboxyl-coated QDs and hippocampal neurons is localized to the synapse, producing synchronous electrical activity.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Demac, Gabrielle E
• Gornisiewicz, Agatha Julia
• Margiott, Alex Michael
• Savoia, Christopher James

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-011514-050300

Advisor

• Rolle, Marsha Whitney

Year

• 2014

Sponsor

• The Centre for Biomedical Sciences and Engineering

Date created

• 2014-01-15

Location

• Vipava

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biomedical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2021-02-02