Building Three-Dimensional Neuronal Networks Coupled to Micro-Electrode Arrays
Transcript
Take a suspension of rat embryo hippocampal neurons.
Transfer the neurons onto the adhesion factor-coated active area of a microelectrode array, or MEA. This active area is confined by a polymer structure.
Incubate the MEA. Neurons adhere to the coated MEA active area, forming a 2D neuronal network.
Additionally, transfer the neurons onto an adhesion factor-coated glass microbead monolayer in membrane inserts within a multi-well plate.
Incubate for the neurons to attach to the adhesion factor-coated beads.
Transfer the microbeads with adherent neurons to the confined MEA area containing the neuronal network.
Microbeads self-assemble to form a hexagonal structure.
Repeat the microbead transfer on the MEA several times, building layers that self-assemble, forming a packed 3D structure.
Add media to the MEA confined active area and incubate.
Neurons grow, forming an interconnected 3D neuronal network.
