Pain is caused by tissue damage. Sensory nerves detect tissue damage via specific receptors (nociceptors) and transmit information about the damage along the spinal cord to the brain for interpretation. Activation of nociceptors is at the basis of nociceptive pain and allodynia (activation by stimuli that usually does not provoke pain). In those cases, pain occurs with a normally functioning nervous system.

In collaboration with Axion BioSystems, we have developed at NETRI microfluidic devices coupled with high-throughput compatible MultiElectrod Arrays (MEA), allowing neurons functional and phenotypical analysis.