Neuromodulation of Innervated In Vitro Models
Projects focusing on in vitro neuromodulation and microenvironmental modeling have grown in popularity with the introduction of biomaterials to simulate in vivo conditions, electrical stimulation and analysis devices such as microelectrode arrays, and advanced culturing techniques in platforms that allow for axon growth and interaction with other cell types. Since debilitating neurological disorders affect many in the world, it is important that experimentation often seeks to discover regenerative sources or infer deeper knowledge of normal vs disease-state neural mechanisms.
Researchers at ABNEL are currently undergoing projects involving both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Multiple technologies, including ABNEL’s organ-on-chip devices, are being harnessed to modulate neural behaviors and relationships with other cells. For example, targeted optogenetic stimulation is used to employ axonal regenerative capabilities of Schwann cells and selectively activate autonomic nerves to recapitulate cardiac innervation and determine roles in human development. Biomaterials are also being developed to mimic the extracellular matrix and allow for complex, realistic 3D creation of neural tissues
Recent publications:
Tess Torregrosa, Sophie Webster, Chiamaka Aghaizu, Jonathan Soucy, Christopher Bertucci, Leigh Plant, Abigail Koppes, Ryan Koppes. Cryopreservation and functional analysis of cardiac autonomic neurons. July 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108724
Ventre, Daniel; Puzan, Marissa; Ashbolt, Emily*; Koppes, Abigail. Enhanced total neurite outgrowth and secondary branching in dorsal root ganglion neurons elicited by low intensity pulsed ultrasound. Journal of Neural Engineering. April 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1741-2552/aabeba
Recent review:
Christopher Bertucci, Ryan Koppes, Courtney Dumont, and Abigail Koppes. Neural responses to electrical stimulation in 2D and 3D in vitro environments. July 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.07.016
Abby Featured in Northeastern University Feature Article
Abby is featured in a News@Northeastern article titled, “If cells could talk … actually, they do. But what are they saying?” Details included below: Abigail Koppes, assistant professor of chemical engineering, is isolating cell groups on tiny plastic chips, enabling her team to observe the specific roles of cells that have gotten lost in the noise […]
ABNEL Welcomes New PhD Students Kyla and Kirstie
ABNEL welcomes Kyla Nichols and Kirstie Belanger as new PhD students. Kyla comes from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (B.S. Biomedical Engineering) and Kirstie is joining on rotation from the University of Maine (B.S. Biomedical Engineering).