Award details

NeuroChip: A microfluidic sensor for electrophysiological recording of a nematode neural network

Reference	BB/L02439X/1
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Lindy Holden-Dye
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Professor Hywel Morgan, Professor Vincent O'Connor
Institution	University of Southampton
Department	Centre for Biological Sciences
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	153,333
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	30/06/2014
End date	03/08/2015
Duration	13 months

Abstract

unavailable

Summary

Pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries have an increasing need for cost effective experimental platforms for compound screening. We have invented a device to screen compounds for effects on the nervous system using the microscopic nematode worm C. elegans. We liken it to a worm 'EEG'. It exploits the cost effectiveness of using an invertebrate model whilst providing an exquisite level of detail and resolution on drug action. The device is a microfluidic chamber, 'NeuroChip'. It traps the worm, records the activity of a neural circuit in its head and applies compounds through a system of microvalves. This has particular relevance for the Crop Protection and Animal Health industries as the nervous system is a proven target for the majority of compounds that are currently deployed as nematicides and antiparasitics. Moreover, it provides the potential to deliver a neurotoxicological and biological activity profile for compounds that are of interest to the pharmaceutical industry.

Committee	Not funded via Committee
Research Topics	Neuroscience and Behaviour, The 3 Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animals in research)
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	Follow-On Fund (FOF) [2004-2015]
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

I accept the terms and conditions of use (opens in new window)

export PDF file

back to list new search