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PORTRAIT Image of a brain on an electrode array: The scientists stimulate ­various areas and ­measure how the nerve cells react. An epileptic seizure is the endpoint of a long chain of events in the brain, and Prof. Dr. Ulrich Egert wants to find out how and why this chain is triggered. He and his team at the Biomicrotech­ nology Laboratory of the Department of Microsys- tems Engineering (IMTEK) of the University of Freiburg are observing and activating nerve networks in cell cultures. The goal is to influence the networks to engage in certain activities or to keep them in a certain state so that they do not trigger an epileptic seizure. “We are conducting in vitro studies in our lab. It is not possible to conduct them on humans,” explains Egert. “However, the events we are observing in the cell culture are an abstraction of mechanisms in the brain and follow the same principles.” The experiments involve creating a network of nerve cells on microelectrode arrays to serve as a model for processes in the brain. Microelectrode arrays are special chips with a multitude of electrodes and a specially coated surface which is conducive to the growth of nerve cells. Studying and Controlling Transitional ­Processes This research method enables Egert to observe in great detail the chain of events that leads these networks into various states of activity. Medical ­researchers, on the other hand, only see the end of this chain: the seizure itself. This is not enough if one wants to understand the causes of any neuro- logical disorder – not just epilepsy. The mecha- nisms active in the brain during a seizure are different from those that take place beforehand. The critical moment in the chain of events is the transitional process leading up to a seizure. The scientist and his team are investigating these transitional pro- cesses and trying to find ways to control them. Egert became a professor in Freiburg in 2008. Although he is employed by IMTEK, he is not a ­microsystems engineer: He earned his doctorate and habilitation in biology. For his research in the neurosciences the 51-year-old is contributing to the development and optimization of new micro- electrode arrays. His area of specialization consti- tutes a critical interface between the disciplines of biology, medicine, and engineering. Autonomous Implants Prevent Seizures Egert is collaborating with his colleagues at the Faculty of Engineering on the development of new tools to make his research more effective. He also cooperates closely with engineers and medical ­researchers at the Bernstein Center Freiburg and the proposed Cluster of Excellence “BrainLinks – BrainTools.” The latter institution aims to develop brain implants that react and replenish their energy supply autonomously for patients suffering from neurological disorders like epilepsy. Annette Kollefrath-Persch » www.brainlinks.uni-freiburg.de Ulrich Egert, originally a biologist, has been con- ducting research at the Department of Microsys- tems Engineering since 2008. Photo: Müller/Imtek Biologist Ulrich Egert is Investigating Networks of Nerve Cells Mediator between the Disciplines 25