Liangbin Pan | PubMed Health

PubMed2006

Microelectrode array-based system for neuropharmacological applications with cortical neurons cultured in vitro.

Microelectrode arrays (MEAs) provide a means to investigate the electrophysiological behavior of neuronal systems through the measurements from neuronal culture preparations. Changes in activity patterns of neuronal networks are usually detected by applying neural chemicals. Because of the difficulties of fabricating the arrays, and the delicate and less reliable properties of cortical neurons, MEA-based systems with cortical neuronal networks for neurophamacological applications are technically difficult, therefore restricting their utility. Here, we report a new approach to the development of such MEA-based system with sensitive and durable MEAs conveniently fabricated and the culture conditions optimized. Upon growth differentiation, cortical neurons, cultured directly on MEAs, reach a developmentally stable and reliable activity state. With this system, we monitored the global spontaneous activities of neuronal networks and demonstrated the fine discrimination for specific substances and unique property of cortical neurons, which validated both the applicability and necessity of such system in pharmacological bioassay.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed2004

Negative dielectrophoretic force assisted construction of ordered neuronal networks on cell positioning bioelectronic chips.

Developing new methods and technologies in order to pattern neurons into regular networks is of utmost scientific interest in the field of neurological research. An efficient method here is developed for trapping neurons and constructing ordered neuronal networks on bioelectronic chips by using arrayed negative dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces. A special bioelectronic chip with well defined positioning electrode arrays was designed and fabricated on silicon substrate. When a high frequency AC signal was applied, the cell positioning bioelectronic chip (CPBC) is able to provide a well-defined non-uniform electric field, and thus generate negative DEP forces. The parameters, such as size of positioning electrode, conductivity of working solution, amplitude and frequency of power signal and cell concentration, were investigated to optimize the performance of the CPBC. When the neuron suspension was added onto the energized bioelectronic chip, the neurons were immediately trapped and quickly formed the predetermined pattern. Neurons may adhere and then be cultured directly on the CPBC, and show good neuron viability and neurite development. The formation of the ordered neuronal networks after two-week culture demonstrates that negative dielectrophoretic force assisted construction of ordered neuronal networks is effective, and it could be used to assist in monitoring functional activities of neuronal networks.

Animals↗