Dual-compartment neurofluidic system for electrophysiological measurements in physically segregated and functionally connected neuronal cell culture

Kanagasabapathi, Thirukumaran T.; Ciliberti, Davide; Martinoia, Sergio; Wadman, Wytse J.; Decré, M.

doi:10.3389/fneng.2011.00013

Cited by 62 publications

(46 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…The small cross-section of the micro-channels allows only neurites to cross-over to the adjacent compartment and form a functional network [6]. The compartmented PDMS device ( Figure 1b) was oxygen-plasma treated to make the compartments and micro-channels hydrophilic while preserving hydrophobic contact surface.…”

Section: In Vitro Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Interconnected Neuronmentioning

confidence: 99%

In vitro homogeneous and heterogeneous interconnected neuronal cultures: Exploring expressed dynamics and functional connectivity

Massobrio

Tedesco

Kanagasabapathi

et al. 2013

2013 6th International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering (NER)

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We present a dual-chamber co-culturing device that permits investigations on network electrophysiology and functional connectivity. In this work, we characterized the dynamics and functional connectivity of interconnected homogeneous and heterogeneous cultures to demonstrate usefulness of this approach. Segregating two neuronal populations while simultaneously guaranteeing certain degree in controlling interconnectivity was achieved by means of a dual compartment neuro-fluidic device made of poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which was coupled to a micro-electrode array (MEA). The device has two compartments separated by 10-m-wide and 3-m-high micro-channels. Such micro-channels provide a physical isolation of neurons allowing only neurites to grow between the compartments and thus to form functional links.

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Section: In Vitro Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Interconnected Neuronmentioning

confidence: 99%

In vitro homogeneous and heterogeneous interconnected neuronal cultures: Exploring expressed dynamics and functional connectivity

Massobrio

Tedesco

Kanagasabapathi

et al. 2013

2013 6th International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering (NER)

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“…The small cross-section of the microchannels prevent the movement of cells between compartments while allowing neurites to cross-over to the adjacent compartment and form functional network [6,7]. The compartmented PDMS device ( Figure 1D …”

Section: A Neurofluidic Devicementioning

confidence: 99%

An experimental approach towards the development of an in vitro cortical-thalamic co-culture model

Kanagasabapathi

Massobrio

Tedesco

et al. 2011

2011 Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society

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In this paper, we propose an experimental approach to develop an in vitro dissociated cortical-thalamic co-culture model using a dual compartment neurofluidic device. The device has two compartments separated by 10 m wide and 3 m high microchannels. The microchannels provide a physical isolation of neurons allowing only neurites to grow between the compartments. Long-term viable coculture was maintained in the compartmented device, neurite growth through the microchannels was verified using immunofluorescence staining, and electrophysiological recordings from the co-culture system was investigated. Preliminary analysis of spontaneous activities from the coculture shows a distinctively different firing pattern associated with cultures of individual cell types and further analysis is proposed for a deeper understanding of the dynamics involved in the network connectivity in such a co-culture system.

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“…33, 35, and 36) in vitro studies of neuronal populations were performed, and multisite electrophysiology by means of MEAs was carried on. 15,[37][38][39][40][41][42][43] Recently, the importance of microfluidic techniques has been widely recognized also in pharmacological studies and drug screening applications. 23 Indeed, microfluidics can be used for local cell stimulation, for the creation of dynamic concentration gradients or for high content pharmacological screening.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A microfluidic platform for controlled biochemical stimulation of twin neuronal networks

et al. 2012

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Spatially and temporally resolved delivery of soluble factors is a key feature for pharmacological applications. In this framework, microfluidics coupled to multisite electrophysiology offers great advantages in neuropharmacology and toxicology. In this work, a microfluidic device for biochemical stimulation of neuronal networks was developed. A micro-chamber for cell culturing, previously developed and tested for long term neuronal growth by our group, was provided with a thin wall, which partially divided the cell culture region in two sub-compartments. The device was reversibly coupled to a flat micro electrode array and used to culture primary neurons in the same microenvironment. We demonstrated that the two fluidically connected compartments were able to originate two parallel neuronal networks with similar electrophysiological activity but functionally independent. Furthermore, the device allowed to connect the outlet port to a syringe pump and to transform the static culture chamber in a perfused one. At 14 days invitro, sub-networks were independently stimulated with a test molecule, tetrodotoxin, a neurotoxin known to block action potentials, by means of continuous delivery. Electrical activity recordings proved the ability of the device configuration to selectively stimulate each neuronal network individually. The proposed microfluidic approach represents an innovative methodology to perform biological, pharmacological, and electrophysiological experiments on neuronal networks. Indeed, it allows for controlled delivery of substances to cells, and it overcomes the limitations due to standard drug stimulation techniques. Finally, the twin network configuration reduces biological variability, which has important outcomes on pharmacological and drug screening.

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Dual-compartment neurofluidic system for electrophysiological measurements in physically segregated and functionally connected neuronal cell culture

Cited by 62 publications

References 48 publications

In vitro homogeneous and heterogeneous interconnected neuronal cultures: Exploring expressed dynamics and functional connectivity

In vitro homogeneous and heterogeneous interconnected neuronal cultures: Exploring expressed dynamics and functional connectivity

An experimental approach towards the development of an in vitro cortical-thalamic co-culture model

A microfluidic platform for controlled biochemical stimulation of twin neuronal networks

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