It is now possible to control cells through electronic intervention. This is a breakthrough achieved with help from researchers at Karolinska Institute, Sweden, and Linkoping University.
Similarities between plastic – having an ion-selective membrane; and silicon – a semiconductor – were explored to produce what is called “diodes.” The diodes were joined into an ion transistor, which is then connected to cultivated nerve cells. It controlled the supply of acetylcholine to the cells. It showed that charged bimolecules can be passed on. This development paves the way for controlling chemical signals.
Soon enough, ion transistors can be integrated with other materials and eventually contribute in regulating the delivery of drugs, said Berggren, professor of organic electronics.
The study is included in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Key contributors are Karin Larsson and Agnets Richter-Dahlfors, Karolinska Institute; and Klas Tybrant and Magnus Berggren, Linkoping University. Foundation for Strategic Research funded the research center OBOE (organic bioelectronics).
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