Modeling the neuron-carbon nanotube-ISFET junction to investigate the electrophysiological neuronal activity.

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes arranged in vertical alignment and normal direction to the gate insulator of an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor are proposed as electrical interfaces to neurons, and a model of such a system is developed to simulate and analyze the electrical interactions and the induced extracellular neuronal electrical activity. The results pointed out nanotubes act on the amplitude and the shape of the recorded signals and promote an increase in the efficacy of neuronal signal transmission.