NeuroChip: A microfluidic sensor for electrophysiological recording of a nematode neural network
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Southampton
Department Name: Centre for Biological Sciences
Abstract
Pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries have an increasing need for cost effective experimental platforms for compound screening. We have invented a device to screen compounds for effects on the nervous system using the microscopic nematode worm C. elegans. We liken it to a worm 'EEG'. It exploits the cost effectiveness of using an invertebrate model whilst providing an exquisite level of detail and resolution on drug action. The device is a microfluidic chamber, 'NeuroChip'. It traps the worm, records the activity of a neural circuit in its head and applies compounds through a system of microvalves. This has particular relevance for the Crop Protection and Animal Health industries as the nervous system is a proven target for the majority of compounds that are currently deployed as nematicides and antiparasitics. Moreover, it provides the potential to deliver a neurotoxicological and biological activity profile for compounds that are of interest to the pharmaceutical industry.
Publications
Calahorro F
(2019)
Neuroligin tuning of pharyngeal pumping reveals extrapharyngeal modulation of feeding in Caenorhabditis elegans.
in The Journal of experimental biology
Hu C.
(2014)
STYLETCHIP: A MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE FOR RECORDING HOST INVASION BEHAVIOR AND FEEDING OF PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES.
in JOURNAL OF NEMATOLOGY
Lucanic M
(2016)
Chemical activation of a food deprivation signal extends lifespan.
in Aging cell
Description | This project was aimed at establishing novel microfluidic platforms for the analysis of microscopic nematodes with a view to facilitating chemical screening and mode of action studies. We conducted proof of concept studies for 3 companies and have established funded collaborations with 2 further companies as a result of these efforts. We have launched an academic enterprise unit, Neurivo, to drive this agenda forward and as a route to a fully commercial spin-out. |
Exploitation Route | Our enterprise activity is providing a route for external partners from industry to benefit from advances made through BBSRC funding of basic biological research into nematode behaviour and the development of novel experimental platforms. |
Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
URL | http://www.neurivo.com |
Description | This project supported new industrial links with Dupont and Acidophil. www. neurivo.com |
First Year Of Impact | 2015 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
Impact Types | Economic |
Description | Developing microfluidic devices for C elegans screening |
Organisation | Chronos Therapeutics |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Contract research with Chronos Therapeutics Ltd |
Collaborator Contribution | Contract funding. The payments are being made on a pro-rata basis. The sum listed is the start-up costs only. |
Impact | Pending |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Nematicide mode of action study |
Organisation | DuPont |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Contract research |
Collaborator Contribution | Contract research |
Impact | Confidential report |
Start Year | 2015 |