title: Synaptic connectivity in engineered neuronal networks.
abstract: We have developed a method to organize cells in dissociated cultures using engineered chemical clues on a culture surface and determined their connectivity patterns. Although almost all elements of the synaptic transmission machinery can be studied separately in single cell models in dissociated cultures, the complex physiological interactions between these elements are usually lost. Thus, factors affecting synaptic transmission are generally studied in organotypic cultures, brain slices, or in vivo where the cellular architecture generally remains intact. However, by utilizing engineered neuronal networks complex phenomenon such as synaptic transmission or synaptic plasticity can be studied in a simple, functional, cell culture-based system. We have utilized self-assembled monolayers and photolithography to create the surface templates. Embryonic hippocampal cells, plated on the resultant patterns in serum-free medium, followed the surface clues and formed the engineered neuronal networks. Basic whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology was applied to characterize the synaptic connectivity in these engineered two-cell networks. The same technology has been used to pattern other cell types such as cardiomyocytes or skeletal muscle fibers.
authors.affiliation: NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA, pmolnar@pminfonet.com.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Molnar
authors.forename: Jung-Fong
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Neelima
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bhargava
authors.forename: Mainak
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Das
authors.forename: James J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Hickman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000166:cytology; D009415:Nerve Net; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology*; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques / Q000379:methods; D051381:Rats; D013499:Surface Properties; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission