title: Negative dielectrophoretic force assisted construction of ordered neuronal networks on cell positioning bioelectronic chips.
abstract: Developing new methods and technologies in order to pattern neurons into regular networks is of utmost scientific interest in the field of neurological research. An efficient method here is developed for trapping neurons and constructing ordered neuronal networks on bioelectronic chips by using arrayed negative dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces. A special bioelectronic chip with well defined positioning electrode arrays was designed and fabricated on silicon substrate. When a high frequency AC signal was applied, the cell positioning bioelectronic chip (CPBC) is able to provide a well-defined non-uniform electric field, and thus generate negative DEP forces. The parameters, such as size of positioning electrode, conductivity of working solution, amplitude and frequency of power signal and cell concentration, were investigated to optimize the performance of the CPBC. When the neuron suspension was added onto the energized bioelectronic chip, the neurons were immediately trapped and quickly formed the predetermined pattern. Neurons may adhere and then be cultured directly on the CPBC, and show good neuron viability and neurite development. The formation of the ordered neuronal networks after two-week culture demonstrates that negative dielectrophoretic force assisted construction of ordered neuronal networks is effective, and it could be used to assist in monitoring functional activities of neuronal networks.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Zhe
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Guangxin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Xiang
authors.forename: Liangbin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.forename: Lihua
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Zhongyao
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Wanli
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Xing
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cheng
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004566:Electrodes; D046209:Electrophoresis, Microchip / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D008846:Micromanipulation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D016716:PC12 Cells; D051381:Rats; D013314:Stress, Mechanical