Biological systems are extremely complex and constantly changing. The neurons in the human brain are the most complex and also the most sensitive to disturbances. Conventional measurement methods often fail to adequately capture these delicate processes or interfere with the cells themselves. This is precisely where the Ing4Life project comes in: It develops new, tiny measurement systems on a chip that make it possible to observe living nerve cells in real time under conditions as close to natural as possible — with high accuracy, efficiency, and reproducibility.
To achieve this, modern technologies from microelectronics, optics, and microfluidics are combined on chip systems; for example, new technologies are needed to enable the real-time analysis of multiple parameters in individual, undisturbed living cells. These technologies should be multiplex-capable to allow for the simultaneous analysis of many cells, and they should be suitable for mass production to minimize costs. Advances in the fields of microfluidics, microfabrication, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are collectively referred to as “lab-on-a-chip.” On these chips, nerve cells can be continuously supplied with nutrients, specifically stimulated, and simultaneously monitored electrically and optically. Thanks to the high degree of miniaturization, disruption to the cells is minimized, allowing their natural function to be preserved.
A particular focus is on the brain, since nerve cells there not only transmit signals but also constantly adapt, network with one another, and interact with so-called glial cells. Disruptions to this delicate balance play a central role in age-related diseases. New insights into this could help us better understand the causes of dementia and develop targeted new medications.
Project Progress
October 2026
Since the project began in early 2026, important initial progress has already been made. Special surface treatments have improved the conditions for growing nerve cells on chips. This lays the groundwork for measuring the electrical activity of nerve cells directly on the chips in the future.
The optical platform for investigating communication between nerve cells has also been further developed. It enables two interconnected areas of a chip to be observed simultaneously. Narrow channels connect the two areas, allowing the extensions of nerve cells (axons) to grow through them while keeping the cell bodies separate. By using targeted light stimuli and adding substances such as glutamate, researchers can investigate how nerve cells respond to different stimuli and how signals spread between the two areas.
In parallel, specialised MicroLED chips are being developed to generate structured light patterns. In the future, these are intended for use in compact microscopes with particularly high resolution. Sensor systems are also being developed to measure, for example, temperature and specific substances within the chips.
In the long term, the different technologies will be combined into so-called "Lab-on-a-Chip" systems. These systems are intended to enable the continuous observation of living nerve cells under controlled conditions and the investigation of their responses to different stimuli. The progress made so far brings the project closer to its goal of capturing complex processes in nerve cells on a chip with high precision and under conditions that are as close to natural as possible. This will also help researchers investigate disease-related changes in the brain and gain new insights into conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
Prof. Dr. Martin Korte
TU Braunschweig
Institut für Zell- und Neurobiologie (IZN)
Abt. Zelluläre Neurobiologie
Phone: +49 (0)531 391 3220
Email: m.korte@tu-braunschweig.de
Dr. Anita Remus
TU Braunschweig
FSP Engineering for Health - BRICS Geschäftsführung
Phone: +49(0)531 391 55102
Email: a.remus(at)tu-braunschweig.de