AIP Advances (May 2017)

Towards a magnetoresistive platform for neural signal recording

  • P. P. Sharma,
  • G. Gervasoni,
  • E. Albisetti,
  • F. D’Ercoli,
  • M. Monticelli,
  • D. Moretti,
  • N. Forte,
  • A. Rocchi,
  • G. Ferrari,
  • P. Baldelli,
  • M. Sampietro,
  • F. Benfenati,
  • R. Bertacco,
  • D. Petti

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4973947
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 5
pp. 056706 – 056706-7

Abstract

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A promising strategy to get deeper insight on brain functionalities relies on the investigation of neural activities at the cellular and sub-cellular level. In this framework, methods for recording neuron electrical activity have gained interest over the years. Main technological challenges are associated to finding highly sensitive detection schemes, providing considerable spatial and temporal resolution. Moreover, the possibility to perform non-invasive assays would constitute a noteworthy benefit. In this work, we present a magnetoresistive platform for the detection of the action potential propagation in neural cells. Such platform allows, in perspective, the in vitro recording of neural signals arising from single neurons, neural networks and brain slices.