Investigating bioelectric signalling using methods in control systems engineering

Bioelectricity regulates the function of cells, tissues and organs, on the basis of cellular ion composition and flux. Bioelectricity governs the process of neuronal signaling, where neurotransmitter-mediated ion flux, orchestrates the closure and opening of voltage gated ion channels. Voltage gated ion channels then facilitate the flow of ions in response to an electrochemical gradient, propagating the signal.
Recently, bioelectrical signaling has been found to be involved in universal cellular processes, for example through the regulation of tumor growth. Ion channels have also been found to potentially act as conduits for the delivery of virulence factors.
The focus of this project is to generate further insights into bioelectric signaling using electrical pulses controlled by closed loop control dynamics, to stimulate bioelectric circuits, which will in turn generate electrochemical signals. These electrochemical signals will then be transduced to enable visualisation of molecules real-time.