AVS 47th International Symposium
    Biomaterial Interfaces Tuesday Sessions
       Session BI+EL-TuA

Paper BI+EL-TuA7
Artificial Networks of Rat Hippocampal Neurons on Microelectrode Arrays

Tuesday, October 3, 2000, 4:00 pm, Room 202

Session: Cell-Surface Interactions
Presenter: C.D. James, Cornell University
Authors: C.D. James, Cornell University
A.J. Spence, Cornell University
N. Dowell, Wadsworth Center/Department of Health
H.G. Craighead, Cornell University
M.S. Isaacson, Cornell University
J. Turner, Wadsworth Center/Department of Health
W. Shain, Wadsworth Center/Department of Health
Correspondent: Click to Email
The construction of artificial neuronal networks from dissociated primary neurons will permit study of synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal processing. However, a thorough investigation of these processes requires two important components: a flexible method of producing patterned cell networks, and long-term (weeks) studies of such cell networks. To address these issues, microelectrode arrays have been fabricated to conduct long-term, non-invasive extracellular measurements of spontaneous and induced action potentials. In addition, we have used two methods, microcontact printing and conventional photolithography, to align patterns of molecules, such as poly-L-lysine and laminin, to the microelectrode arrays. Surface analysis of the patterned molecules was completed to assess the relevant factors for successfully promoting cell attachment and neurite guidance. Issues dealing with the reliability and stability of the microfabricated electrode arrays, specifically for primary neuron cell cultures, will also be addressed.