Microfluidic cell engineering on high-density microelectrode arrays for assessing structure-function relationships in living neuronal networks

TL;DR

This study combines microfluidic cell engineering with high-density microelectrode arrays to create modular neuronal networks, enabling detailed analysis of how network structure influences neural function.

Contribution

It introduces a novel platform integrating microfluidic cell engineering with HD-MEAs to study structure-function relationships in neuronal networks.

Findings

Modular architecture enhances functional complexity.

Surface coating protocol stabilizes microfluidic device attachment.

Engineered networks show reduced neural correlation between modules.

Abstract

Neuronal networks in dissociated culture combined with cell engineering technology offer a pivotal platform to constructively explore the relationship between structure and function in living neuronal networks. Here, we fabricated defined neuronal networks possessing a modular architecture on high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs), a state-of-the-art electrophysiological tool for recording neural activity with high spatial and temporal resolutions. We first established a surface coating protocol using a cell-permissive hydrogel to stably attach polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic film on the HD-MEA. We then recorded the spontaneous neural activity of the engineered neuronal network, which revealed an important portrait of the engineered neuronal network--modular architecture enhances functional complexity by reducing the excessive neural correlation between spatially segregated modules. The results of this study highlight the impact of HD-MEA recordings combined with cell engineering technologies as a novel tool in neuroscience to constructively assess the structure-function relationships in neuronal networks.