Masters Applied Projects

Project 17

How Does Simulated Physiological, Cyclic Stretch Affect Oxygen Demand at Neural Interfaces?

Student: Belinda Okomeng

Mentors: Dr. Jitendran Muthuswamy – SBHSE
Dr. Christopher Buneo – SBHSE
Dr. Arati Sridharan – SBHSE

YouTube Link: View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/6097485771?pwd=OVNZaTE1ckdSTGMwcXF6TlkveW15QT09

Time: 10am – noon

Abstract

Understanding the mechanisms that drive functional, morphological, and mechanical changes around brain-implant interfaces is important in the development of neuromodulation devices, such as deep brain stimulators (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. This study seeks to understand how micromotion induced mechanical strains modulate oxygen demand using MitosoxTM as a biomarker to assess mitochondrial function in cultured neurons. To simulate micromotion, we have developed a programmable, uniaxial cell stretching device to mimic physiological events like breathing and heart pulsations. In this study we will assess the production of mitochondrial superoxide (indicative of metabolic activity in the cell) at 3% strain and 1 Hz cyclic stretch conditions. We will also assess relative changes in level of neural activity by evaluating the expression of carbonic anhydrase enzyme in neuronal cells using immunocytochemical techniques. Analysis of unstretched controls show that there is baseline expression of carbonic anhydrase and superoxide production in 10-14 day old, cultured neurons. There is also variation in superoxide production along neurites and cell bodies. We will compare this baseline activity to cyclically stretched neurons. The results from this study will help to quantitate how mechanical strain can affect metabolic activities near brain-implant interface and develop strategies to improve their therapeutic efficacy.