Toward a Merged Microfluidic/Microelectrode Array Device for Culture of Unidirectional Neural Network

Abstract

Traditional neural cultures are formed from disassociating primary neurons that are sourced from animals. However by disassociating them, any larger organizational structure between the neurons is lost. In an effort to regain some of the lost organization a device that is capable of recreating and monitoring a unidirectional connection between two populations is proposed. Initial validation toward a fully functional device is presented. Using soft lithography techniques, a microfluidic chip has been designed and produced with a design conducive for facilitating such a neuron culture. Using a specialized adhesive method, this chip can be attached and removed from a commercially available microelectrode array. Finally, cell viability is demonstrated using the PC12 neuron-like cell line after exploring several device configurations. Further efforts will be focused on primary neuron culture and establishment of a unidirectional network.