Cell stimulation holds promise for bioelectronic interfaces

A material that demonstrates persistent photoconductivity gains a negative charge on its surface when exposed to the right wavelength of light, and retains the charge when the light is removed. The correct wavelength of light, and how long the material retains its charge, varies in different materials.

Researchers know that an electric charge can stimulate a cell, but existing technologies for conducting related experiments can be invasive, time-consuming, or require specialised equipment.

“We wanted to take advantage of the electronic properties of the semiconductor gallium nitride, which is biocompatible, making it a true bioelectronic interface,” said Patrick Snyder, a PhD student at North Carolina State University (NC State) and lead author of a paper on the work. “The result is a faster, non-invasive way to stimulate cells that doesn’t require specialised equipment.”

According to NC State, the researchers exposed a gallium nitride substrate to ultraviolet (UV) light, creating a negative charge on its surface. Once the UV light was removed, researchers poured a solution containing PC12 neurotypic cells into the container with the substrate. The researchers then introduced a dye that allowed them to measure calcium levels in the PC12 cells.