Modification of a neuronal network direction using stepwise photo-thermal etching of an agarose architecture

Abstract

Control over spatial distribution of individual neurons and the pattern of neural network provides an important tool for studying information processing pathways during neural network formation. Moreover, the knowledge of the direction of synaptic connections between cells in each neural network can provide detailed information on the relationship between the forward and feedback signaling. We have developed a method for topographical control of the direction of synaptic connections within a living neuronal network using a new type of individual-cell-based on-chip cell-cultivation system with an agarose microchamber array (AMCA). The advantages of this system include the possibility to control positions and number of cultured cells as well as flexible control of the direction of elongation of axons through stepwise melting of narrow grooves. Such micrometer-order microchannels are obtained by photo-thermal etching of agarose where a portion of the gel is melted with a 1064-nm infrared laser beam. Using this system, we created neural network from individual Rat hippocampal cells. We were able to control elongation of individual axons during cultivation (from cells contained within the AMCA) by non-destructive stepwise photo-thermal etching. We have demonstrated the potential of our on-chip AMCA cell cultivation system for the controlled development of individual cell-based neural networks.

Silicon Based Nanocoatings on Metal Alloys and Their Role in Surface Engineering

“…BioMEMs involve the use of several different types of probes composed of DNA [470,471], proteins/ peptides [472,473] or cells [474] that are usually arrayed on the chip. Yue et al (Fig.…”

Microtechnologies to fuel neurobiological research with nanometer precision

“…An example of an often-used polymer-based fabrication process is replica molding of PDMS [5] using masters created through epoxy polymer photoresist SU-8 photolithography, a micromanufacturing technique developed in the microelectronics industry. A recent trend is to utilize materials more familiar to biologists, such as agarose [6,7] or polystyrene [8] for microfabrication.…”

“…Based on observed initial axon growth, microchannels can be opened to connect individual neurons to form simple networks. The panel C is reproduced from [7]. …”

On-chip constructive cell-Network study (I): Contribution of cardiac fibroblasts to cardiomyocyte beating synchronization and community effect

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