Title: Retooling the membrane channel with DNA nanostructure for simultaneous and precise voltage recording

Date:  December 7, 2023 (Thursday)

Time: 2:30PM

Location: MJIS 2001

Committee members: Prof. Leopold Green (Chair), Prof. Fang Huang, Prof. Krishna Jayant, Prof. Chengde Mao (Chemistry)

Abstract: Neuronal recording technologies have propelled neuroscience forward, facilitating the unraveling of neural functions across various spatiotemporal scales. Characterizing the membrane potential is crucial to understanding the brain's electrical activities and relationship with the structure and function of neural networks. However, scaling these recordings to measure across single neurons and nervous tissue simultaneously and integrating the measurements across various spatiotemporal scales are critical limitations. The recording limitations primarily result from the physical stress placed on delicate cell structures, preventing repeated membrane disturbance. Then, these limitations lead to the inherent incompatibility among various recording methods concerning their spatiotemporal scales. To address these challenges, we propose a novel application of DNA nanostructure as a versatile platform capable of simultaneously gathering and processing data from two representative recording techniques: patch-clamp electrophysiology and voltage-sensitive dye imaging. The engineered DNA nanodevice can be precisely inserted into live cell membranes using a patch pipette. Once inserted, the DNA nanopores create a synthetic ion channel for facilitating the acquisition of ground truth voltage measurements from individual neurons. Also, the incorporation of single Quantum Dots (QDs) within the DNA nanopore, allows for the recording of voltage signals from large populations of neurons. My research objectives are to (1) develop a reusable DNA nanopore to minimize membrane damage during successive recordings and (2) enhance signal detection by embedding QDs within the DNA nanopore, amplifying the Quantum-confined Stark Effect (QCSE). Achieving these aims will introduce an innovative method to harmonizing data acquisition from individual neurons through patch-clamp electrophysiology, which provides a reliable ground truth for voltage measurement in synthetic nanopores. Simultaneously, it will enable the concurrent recording of multiple neurons using QDs, ushering in an unprecedented era of multifaceted neuronal data acquisition. The expected outcomes of this work will enhance our comprehension of neuronal signaling processes, minimize disruptions to the cell membrane integrity for accurate interpretation of synaptic potential, and introduce an innovative approach to simultaneous and precise recording of neuronal signals across diverse spatiotemporal scales.