Key Takeaways
- Linköping University researchers developed a micropipette for precise ion delivery to individual neurons.
- The new technology may lead to advances in treating neurological diseases like epilepsy.
- Initial experiments reveal complex interactions between neuron and glial cell activity following ion concentration changes.
Innovative Micropipette Technology
Researchers at Linköping University have unveiled a groundbreaking iontonic micropipette designed to deliver ions directly to individual neurons without disrupting the surrounding extracellular environment. This advancement is significant because controlling ion concentrations can enhance understanding of neuronal functions and interactions with glial cells, which support neurons by providing nutrients, oxygen, and facilitating healing.
The micropipette’s tip measures only 2 micrometres, making it considerably smaller than a neuron, allowing for highly localized ion delivery. “In the long term, this technology could be used to treat neurological diseases such as epilepsy with extremely high precision,” stated Daniel Simon, a professor at Linköping University.
The human brain houses approximately 85 to 100 billion neurons, alongside an equal number of glial cells. These cells play critical roles in regulating ion transport, which is essential for neuron activation. Traditionally, attempts to modify the extracellular environment involved infusing liquids that disrupted its delicate balance, making it challenging to discern the precise effects of different elements on neuronal activity.
To overcome this, the team developed the iontonic micropipette, which allows for targeted ion delivery—such as potassium and sodium—without disturbing the extracellular milieu. Researchers aim to observe the effects of these ions not only on neurons but also on astrocytes, a subtype of glial cells that are crucial for brain chemical processes.
Experiments using slices of hippocampal cortex from mice revealed that astrocytes reacted swiftly and dynamically to ion concentration changes, while neuronal responses were measured slower than anticipated. This highlighted the intricate dynamics and dependencies between neurons and glial cells at a localized level, a facet that previous technologies struggled to explore effectively.
Crafted from a standard glass tube heated and pulled to form a fine tip, the design of the micropipette resembles traditional neuroscience tools familiar to many researchers globally. Its ion exchange membrane ensures it can chemically stimulate neuronal activity, making it a promising tool for future studies.
The next phases involve using this micropipette to analyze chemical signaling in both healthy and diseased brain tissues. The researchers also aim to explore drug delivery mechanisms for potential therapies for neurological conditions like epilepsy.
This research was supported by several prestigious funding bodies, including the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and the EU’s Horizon Europe initiative. Notably, the researchers are affiliated with OBOE IPR AB, which holds patents related to this technology, indicating potential commercial applications in the future.
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