Neurogenesis and neuronal communication on micropatterned neurochips.
Neural networks are formed by accurate connectivity of neurons and glial cells in the brain. These networks employ a three-dimensional bio-surface that both assigns precise coordinates to cells during development and facilitates their connectivity and functionality throughout life. Using specific topographic and chemical features, we have taken steps towards the development of poly(dimethylsiloxane; PDMS) neurochips that can be used to generate and study synthetic neural networks. These neurochips have micropatterned structures that permit adequate cell positioning and support cell survival. Within days of plating, cells differentiate into neurons displaying excitability and communication, as evidenced by intracellular calcium oscillations and action potentials. The structural and functional capacities of such simple neural networks open up new opportunities to study synaptic communication and plasticity.
Bani-Yaghoub
Mahmud
M
Neurogenesis & Brain Repair Group, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada. mahmud.bani@nrc.ca
Tremblay
Roger
R
Voicu
Raluca
R
Mealing
Geoff
G
Monette
Robert
R
Py
Christophe
C
Faid
Karim
K
Sikorska
Marianna
M
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D016764:Cell Polarity; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes / Q000737:chemistry*; D051379:Mice; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D009757:Nylons / Q000737:chemistry*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D013499:Surface Properties; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D009757:Nylons; C085707:poly(dimethylsiloxane)-polyamide copolymer