Welcome Professor Yang Tian from East China Normal University to visit!

On November 2, 2023, at the invitation of Associate Professor Kai Xiao, Professor YangTian, Dean of the School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering at East China Normal University, visited our department and gave a report titled "Free Moving Living Brain Imaging Analysis".

Summary of the report: Real time and accurate analysis of the spatial quantitative distribution and structural functional relationships of various chemical molecules at the live level is of great significance for in-depth analysis of the operating principles of the brain. As a classic method for in vivo analysis, electrochemical technology has significant advantages in spatiotemporal resolution. However, the complex biological environment poses challenges to the selectivity and stability of sensors, and applying additional voltage during the measurement process may also affect the discharge of neurons in the brain and the collection of electrophysiological signals. In addition, common wired sensors can easily interfere with animal behavior and cause signal distortion.

In response to the above challenges, a dual recognition strategy was first proposed, which achieved high selectivity biosensing in the living brain by reasonably designing recognition molecules combined with electrochemical reaction potentials. Secondly, the development of highly stable Au-C ≡ C modified bonds and hydrophilic anti biological pollution materials has improved the signal stability for long-term monitoring. In addition, a photovoltaic microelectrode array without applied voltage and a surface enhanced Raman (SERS) microprobe array have been developed for real-time monitoring of multiple ions and recording of electrophysiological LFP (Local field potential) signals. We have further built the first fiber optic array Raman imaging system, which enables precise analysis of multiple chemical molecules both inside and outside living cells simultaneously and in the same domain, and draws functional molecular interaction network diagrams. Recently, wireless chemical microneedle arrays have been developed to achieve real-time quantitative tracking of chemical signals from multiple brain regions of freely moving rats. Using the newly developed in vivo analysis methods, real-time visualization and quantification of chemical signals from multiple ions in the deep brain of freely moving rats and dynamic changes during seizures have been achieved. For the first time, simultaneous recording of electrochemical and electrophysiological signals without crosstalk has been achieved in seven different brain regions of the whole brain. We have built a real-time dynamic quantitative monitoring platform for ions inside, outside, and transmembrane processes in living cells, realizing the spatial distribution and functional exploration of multiple molecules in the whole brain.

The brilliant research achievements and ideas of Professor Yang Tian's team deeply attracted the teachers and students present. After the meeting, Associate Professor Kai Xiao's research group had in-depth exchanges with Professor YangTian's research group, greatly expanding the students thinking and perspectives.