신경신호 측정을 위한 SPR(표면플라즈몬공명) 시스템 개발

Abstract

This study aims to develop a new effective extracellular recording system for detecting neural signal using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). The SPR can directly detect electrochemical signals at the metal-electrolyte interface. In addition, this method has no time limit in measurement and no artifact noise during electrical stimulation compared with conventional electrophysiological methods. However, the low sensitivity of SPR has been known as a problem for detecting a subtle ionic changes like action potentials. To overcome this problem, we improved several parts of a conventional SPR system; i) introduction of a multi-cell photo-detector with a mask, ii) introduction of a ultra-low noise laser diode, iii) electrical shielding of the whole optic system using a custom-made faraday cage. Consequently, evoked Compound Action Potentials (CAPS) from rat sciatic nerves were successfully recorded. These recordings are the first time of detecting neural signal using SPR biosensor. These data indicate that the SPR system can be used as a valuable tool for the study of neural networks.