On-Site Formation of Functional Dopaminergic Presynaptic Terminals on Neuroligin-2-Modified Gold-Coated Microspheres

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c13829
• Publication Date: 2024-01-11T16:57:49Z
• Authors: Wonkyung Cho; Minji Jung; Sun-heui Yoon; Joohee Jeon; Min-Ah Oh; Ji Yong Kim; Minjung Park; Chung Mu Kang; Taek Dong Chung
• Keywords: Synaptogenesis; Neuroligin

Advancements in neural interface technologies have enabled the direct connection of neurons and electronics, facilitating chemical communication between systems external devices. One promising approach is a synaptogenesis-involving method, which offers an opportunity for synaptic signaling these systems. Janus synapses, one type utilizing cell adhesion molecules construction, possess unique features that enable determination location, direction signal flow, types neurotransmitters involved, promoting directional multifaceted communication. This study presents first successful establishment synapse dopaminergic (DA) abiotic substrates by using neuroligin-2 (NLG2)-mediated synapse-inducing method. NLG2 immobilized on gold-coated microspheres can induce synaptogenesis upon contact with spatially isolated DA axons. The induced synapses exhibit stable activities comparable to native over time, suggesting their suitability application interfaces. By calling presynaptic organizations, NLG2-immobilized substrate tool on-site detection dopamine release.