BAR-ILAN INSTITUTE OF NANOTECHNOLOGY & ADVANCED MATERIALS | 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

“Understanding the morphology of neuronal cells, as well as their unique electric function, goes hand in hand with the development of bio- engineered physical platforms, which can generate the recovery of neural networks post-trauma,” says Prof. Shefi, “and in my lab, we combine the two on the same platform.” Conductive materials, such as gold, can transmit their electric activity when they come into contact with a neuronal cell. Based on this, Prof. Shefi and her team are developing nanometric platforms that are morphologically and chemically compatible with the body, and tiny enough to be attached to the biological organelles. “These platforms provide a comfortable environment for neuronal cells to cling to. They function as bridges, encouraging the neuronal cell growth to mend an internal gap in the neural network, caused by a knife cut, for example. We are including electrodes in the platforms, which enables us to monitor neuron functioning and characterize their electrical activity. If we are able to successfully regenerate the nerves in both form and function, this means we can successfully restore motility and sensation to the affected area. “Imagine neural networks as a plant with many branches. If we want it to grow upwards, we will engineer the platform as a channel; if we want it to expand sideways we will engineer a different environment. The structure of the platform is determined in accordance with the treatment needed. By altering the platform’s structure, we can govern the growth process of the neural net,” explains Prof. Shefi. “We use magnetic and electric manipulation to engineer an optimized environment, one that encourages neuronal repair. For example, we proved, in vitro, that electrical stimulation of neuronal cells triggers far more effective rehabilitation, and we are now aiming to take it to the next level by testing it in animal models.” Building International Bio-Engineered Bridges Conducting such complex research and development processes requires a multi-disciplinary approach, one that BINA certainly facilitates. Prof. Shefi brings together her vast skills in cell biology, molecular engineering, nanotechnology and computational biology with those of other BINA members who contribute their expertise in material science, chemistry and physics. Among her prominent partners are Prof. Amos Sharoni of the Department of Physics; emeritus professors Prof. Shlomo Margel and Prof. Aharon Gedanken in addition to Dr. Hagay Shpaisman, of the Department of Chemistry at Bar-llan University and others. “BINA not only enables me to implement a variety of techniques in my lab and consult with relevant forthcoming colleagues, but also supplies the advanced equipment necessary to sensitize materials, fabricate our nanometric devices, and conduct highly-sensitive measurements. Moreover, BINA facilitates many opportunities for collaboration. Prof. Orit Shefi is the Head of the Neuro-Engineering and Regeneration Laboratory in the Alexander Kofkin Faculty of Engineering at Bar-Ilan University and a member of the Nano-Medicine Center at the Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA). Prof. Shefi earned all of her degrees in Physics and from 2005 to 2008, she was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, San Diego. Prof. Shefi develops nanotechnologies for neuronal rehabilitation growth, and methods and tools for drug delivery to the brain and skin, including physical acceleration of drugs linked to nano carriers that are inserted into the tissue, as well as nano-magnetic agents and perforated agents that enclose the drug and release it in a controlled manner. 29