Hybrid interfaces made of nanotubes and backbone-altered dipeptides tune neuronal network architecture

Peptides constituted of backbone homologated α-amino acids combined with carbon materials offer interesting possibilities in the modulation of cellular functions. In this work we have prepared diphenylalanine β- and γ-peptides and conjugated them to carbon nanotubes (CNTs). These hybrids were capable to self-assemble into fibrillar dendritic structures enabling the growth of primary hippocampal cells and the modulation of their neuronal functions. In particular, following the deposition of the different nanomaterials on glass substrates, we have evaluated their effects on circuit function and geometry. The geometrical restrictions due to CNT nucleated nodes allowed growing neuronal networks with control over network geometry and exploring its functional impact. In applications diverse from basic neuroscience, the presence of CNT nodes may be exploited in brain interfaces able to convey highly localized electrical stimuli.