NeuroActive Light-Addressable Nanoparticle-Protein Matrices

In vivo, cells are supported by a three-dimensional extracellular matrix (ECM) of fibers with dimensions from microns down to the nanometer range. Multifunctional and multiscale, the extracellular matrices are the most optimized structures in nature for triggering and supporting the vital functions (e.g. adhesion, differentiation, migration, etc.). Building artificial extracellular matrices able to interact with neurons in a bi-directional fashion at nano-scale would allow tuning the cell activity and reporting it with unprecedented efficiency and resolution. In this project we propose to construct optically-addressable nanofibre networks with biological, physical and chemical properties that mimic the dynamic stimuli in neuronal matrices and use these in exploring the cellular responses to localised temperature and electromagnetic stimulation. We will exploit the exceptional cellular affinity of amyloid protein fibres and extend their functionality by mineralizing them with light-sensitive inorganic nanoparticles. Combining the environmentsensitive and size-dependent optical properties of nanoparticles, light-patterning strategies, biotemplating and cellular targeting, we will emulate multi-functional artificial neuronal matrices able to modulate and in situ detect cellular signals.