Scott Simon: Building complex functional logic circuits out of microfluidics.

Astrocytic networks in the hippocampus where they modulate synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and behavior are an example of an integrated brain circuit. Smaller and more complex microelectronic integrated circuits (micro-electrode arrays) with improved complexity and speed are increasingly being used to probe and manipulate biological circuits, such as those found in the hippocampus. Digital logic circuits composed of pneumatic microfluidic components are beginning used to achieve a similar order of magnitude in complexity and temporal parameters to these electrode arrays. This lecture will review the use of microfluidics for both the study and the manipulation of the brain. Practical aspects of pneumatic circuits and cooling chip devices as relevant to neural research will be demonstrated.