Nano-electronics in biological applications

Summary form only given. This presentation discusses a neuro-electronic junction, based on micro-electronic devices, that allows real-time interaction with electrical and chemical neuronal communication on the scale of individual neurons. Some aspects of long term and sensitive neuroelectronic interfacing is discussed, like a more intimate anchoring and interaction of the neuron on the surface of the transducer. Also a biomimetic surface that fools a neuron into believing it resides in its natural environment and that guides neuronal growth. And finally a lab-on-a-chip type biosensor is discussed. For the operation of this transducer, the analyte molecules have to be labeled with magnetic beads. The magnetic beads can be detected by a magnetic spin valve sensor. A possible advantage of this transducer is the fact that the beads can be used to direct the molecules over the surface of a chip and to attract and repel molecules from the surface.