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Pigareva Y, Gladkov A, Kolpakov V, Bukatin A, Li S, Kazantsev VB, Mukhina I, Pimashkin A. Microfluidic Bi-Layer Platform to Study Functional Interaction between Co-Cultured Neural Networks with Unidirectional Synaptic Connectivity. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:835. [PMID: 37421068 DOI: 10.3390/mi14040835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The complex synaptic connectivity architecture of neuronal networks underlies cognition and brain function. However, studying the spiking activity propagation and processing in heterogeneous networks in vivo poses significant challenges. In this study, we present a novel two-layer PDMS chip that facilitates the culturing and examination of the functional interaction of two interconnected neural networks. We utilized cultures of hippocampal neurons grown in a two-chamber microfluidic chip combined with a microelectrode array. The asymmetric configuration of the microchannels between the chambers ensured the growth of axons predominantly in one direction from the Source chamber to the Target chamber, forming two neuronal networks with unidirectional synaptic connectivity. We showed that the local application of tetrodotoxin (TTX) to the Source network did not alter the spiking rate in the Target network. The results indicate that stable network activity in the Target network was maintained for at least 1-3 h after TTX application, demonstrating the feasibility of local chemical activity modulation and the influence of electrical activity from one network on the other. Additionally, suppression of synaptic activity in the Source network by the application of CPP and CNQX reorganized spatio-temporal characteristics of spontaneous and stimulus-evoked spiking activity in the Target network. The proposed methodology and results provide a more in-depth examination of the network-level functional interaction between neural circuits with heterogeneous synaptic connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Pigareva
- Neurotechnology Department, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- Central Research Laboratory, Cell Technology Department, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod 603005, Russia
| | - Arseniy Gladkov
- Neurotechnology Department, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- Central Research Laboratory, Cell Technology Department, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod 603005, Russia
| | - Vladimir Kolpakov
- Neurotechnology Department, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- Central Research Laboratory, Cell Technology Department, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod 603005, Russia
| | - Anton Bukatin
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Alferov Saint-Petersburg National Research Academic University of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg 194021, Russia
- Institute for Analytical Instrumentation of the RAS, Saint Petersburg 198095, Russia
| | - Sergei Li
- Neurotechnology Department, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
| | - Victor B Kazantsev
- Neurotechnology Department, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- Central Research Laboratory, Cell Technology Department, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod 603005, Russia
| | - Irina Mukhina
- Neurotechnology Department, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- Central Research Laboratory, Cell Technology Department, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod 603005, Russia
| | - Alexey Pimashkin
- Neurotechnology Department, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
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2
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Vafaiee M, Ejehi F, Mohammadpour R. CNT-PDMS foams as self-powered humidity sensors based on triboelectric nanogenerators driven by finger tapping. Sci Rep 2023; 13:370. [PMID: 36611085 PMCID: PMC9825370 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27690-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of frequently applied portable electronics has raised the significance of self-powered systems. In this regard, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have drawn considerable attention due to their diversity of design and high power output. As a widely used material in TENG electrodes, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) shows attractive characteristics, such as electron affinity, flexibility, and facile fabrication. To achieve active TENG-based humidity sensing, we proposed a straightforward method to enhance the hydrophilicity of PDMS by two parallel approaches: 1. Porosity induction, 2. Carbon nanotube (CNT) compositing. Both of the mentioned processes have been performed by water addition during the synthesis procedure, which is not only totally safe (in contrast with the similar foaming/compositing routes), but also applicable for a wide range of nanomaterials. Applying the modified electrode as a single-electrode TENG-based humidity sensor, demonstrated an impressive enhancement of sensing response from 56% up to 108%, compared to the bare electrodes. Moreover, the detecting range of ambient humidity was broadened to higher values of 80% in a linear behavior. The fabricated humidity sensor based on a CNT-PDMS foam not only provides superior sensing characteristics but also is satisfactory for portable applications, due to being lightweight and desirably self-powered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohaddeseh Vafaiee
- grid.412553.40000 0001 0740 9747Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, 14588-89694 Iran
| | - Faezeh Ejehi
- grid.412553.40000 0001 0740 9747Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, 14588-89694 Iran
| | - Raheleh Mohammadpour
- Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, 14588-89694, Iran.
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Rathore RS, R Ayyannan S, Mahto SK. Emerging three-dimensional neuronal culture assays for neurotherapeutics drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:619-628. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2061458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul S Rathore
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory II, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi-221005, UP, India
| | - Senthil R Ayyannan
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory II, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi-221005, UP, India
| | - Sanjeev K Mahto
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi-221005, UP, India
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Yoon D, Son J, Park JK, Nam Y. Development of the micro-patterned 3D neuronal-hydrogel model using soft-lithography for study a 3D neural network on a microelectrode array . ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2021; 2021:1234-1237. [PMID: 34891510 DOI: 10.1109/embc46164.2021.9629822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In vitro patterned neuronal models have been studied as one of the strategies to investigate the relationship between structural connectivity and functional activity of neural network. Despite the importance of three-dimensional (3D) cell models, most of these studies have been performed on two-dimensional models. In this study, we present a technique to construct the micro-pattern to 3D neuronal-hydrogel model using a micromolding in capillaries (MIMIC) technique on microelectrode array (MEA). Our technique was suitable to prevent the deformation of micro-patterned collagen model against the neuronal contracted tension during the network formation. The relationship between the growth directions of glial cells and micro-pattern direction was investigated. Lastly, we confirmed that our 3D model had synchronized activity among neurons in 3D. This model is expected to be used as a tool to study the relationship between structural connectivity and functional activity in the 3D environment.
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Montemezzo M, Ferrari MD, Kerstner E, Santos VD, Victorazzi Lain V, Wollheim C, Frozza CODS, Roesch-Ely M, Baldo G, Brandalise RN. PHMB-loaded PDMS and its antimicrobial properties for biomedical applications. J Biomater Appl 2021; 36:252-263. [PMID: 33906516 DOI: 10.1177/08853282211011921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Given the global panorama of demands in the health area, the development of biomaterials becomes irreducible for the maintenance and/or improvement in the quality of life of the human being. Aiming to reduce the impacts related to infections in the healing processes of the dermal structure, the present work proposes the development of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based membranes with the incorporated polyhexamethylenebiguanide (PHMB) antimicrobial agent. In the present study, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films incorporated with 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5% (w/w) of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) were evaluated, aiming the development of a protective biomaterial that avoids cutaneous infections from the autochthonous and allochthonous microbiota. The disk diffusion of PHMB-loaded PDMS has shown the growth inhibition of Escherichia coli (ATCC 9637), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27953), Acinetobacter baumannii (ATCC 19606), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228), Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 19615), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) and also yeast-like fungi Candida albicans, all microorganisms found on the epidermal surface. Likewise, the present study demonstrated low cytotoxicity of the PHMB-loaded PDMS on HaCaT and L929 cells at lower concentrations (0.1% w/w), indicating the possibility of using the developed material as a dressing for wounds, burns, and post-surgical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micael Montemezzo
- Laboratory of Polymers, Center for Exact Sciences and Technology, University of Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Micaela Dani Ferrari
- Laboratory of Polymers, Center for Exact Sciences and Technology, University of Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Estela Kerstner
- Rio Grande do Sul State Government, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Venina Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Polymers, Center for Exact Sciences and Technology, University of Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Vincius Victorazzi Lain
- Laboratory of Polymers, Center for Exact Sciences and Technology, University of Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Claudia Wollheim
- Laboratory of Polymers, Center for Exact Sciences and Technology, University of Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Roesch-Ely
- Laboratory of Polymers, Center for Exact Sciences and Technology, University of Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Baldo
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rosmary Nichele Brandalise
- Laboratory of Polymers, Center for Exact Sciences and Technology, University of Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Lovett ML, Nieland TJ, Dingle YTL, Kaplan DL. Innovations in 3-Dimensional Tissue Models of Human Brain Physiology and Diseases. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2020; 30:1909146. [PMID: 34211358 PMCID: PMC8240470 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201909146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
3-dimensional (3D) laboratory tissue cultures have emerged as an alternative to traditional 2-dimensional (2D) culture systems that do not recapitulate native cell behavior. The discrepancy between in vivo and in vitro tissue-cell-molecular responses impedes understanding of human physiology in general and creates roadblocks for the discovery of therapeutic solutions. Two parallel approaches have emerged for the design of 3D culture systems. The first is biomedical engineering methodology, including bioengineered materials, bioprinting, microfluidics and bioreactors, used alone or in combination, to mimic the microenvironments of native tissues. The second approach is organoid technology, in which stem cells are exposed to chemical and/or biological cues to activate differentiation programs that are reminiscent of human (prenatal) development. This review article describes recent technological advances in engineering 3D cultures that more closely resemble the human brain. The contributions of in vitro 3D tissue culture systems to new insights in neurophysiology, neurological diseases and regenerative medicine are highlighted. Perspectives on designing improved tissue models of the human brain are offered, focusing on an integrative approach merging biomedical engineering tools with organoid biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. Lovett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155
| | - Thomas J.F. Nieland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155
| | - Yu-Ting L. Dingle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155
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Varshney N, Sahi AK, Vajanthri KY, Poddar S, Balavigneswaran CK, Prabhakar A, Rao V, Mahto SK. Culturing melanocytes and fibroblasts within three-dimensional macroporous PDMS scaffolds: towards skin dressing material. Cytotechnology 2019; 71:287-303. [PMID: 30603924 PMCID: PMC6368518 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-018-0285-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we propose a platform for topical wound dressing material using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) scaffold in order to enhance the skin healing process. In vitro co-culture assessment of epidermal-origin mouse B16-F10 melanocyte cells and mouse L929 fibroblast cells in three-dimensional polymeric scaffolds has been carried out towards developing bio-stable, interconnected, highly macroporous, PDMS based tissue-engineered scaffolds, using the salt leaching method. To determine a suitable ratio of salt to PDMS pre-polymer in the scaffold, two different samples with ratios 2:1 and 3:1 [w/w], were fabricated. Effective pore sizes of both scaffolds were observed to lie in the desirable range of 152-165 μm. In addition, scaffolds were pre-coated with collagen and investigated as a podium for culturing the chosen cells (fibroblast and melanocyte cells). Experimental results demonstrate not only a high proliferative potential of the skin tissue-specific cells within the fabricated PDMS based scaffolds but also confirm the presence of several other essential attributes such as high interconnectivity, optimum porosity, excellent mechanical strength, gaseous permeability, promising cell compatibility, water absorption capability and desired surface wettability. Therefore, scaffolds facilitate a high degree of cellular adhesion while providing a microenvironment necessary for optimal cellular infiltration and viability. Thus, the outcomes suggest that PDMS based macroporous scaffold can be used as a potential candidate for skin dressing material. In addition, the fabricated PDMS scaffolds may also be exploited for a plethora of other applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelima Varshney
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Ajay Kumar Sahi
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Kiran Yellappa Vajanthri
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Suruchi Poddar
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Chelladurai Karthikeyan Balavigneswaran
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Arumugam Prabhakar
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhavan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi, 110001, India
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Vivek Rao
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhavan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi, 110001, India
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar Mahto
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, 221005, India.
- Centre for Advanced Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, 221005, India.
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8
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Yang Y, Zhang Y, Chai R, Gu Z. Designs of Biomaterials and Microenvironments for Neuroengineering. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:1021969. [PMID: 30627148 PMCID: PMC6304813 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1021969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical research on neuroengineering is primarily focused on biocompatible materials, which can be used to provide electroactive and topological cues, regulate the microenvironment, and perform other functions. Novel biomaterials for neuroengineering have been received much attention in the field of research, including graphene, photonic crystals, and organ-on-a-chip. Graphene, which has the advantage of high mechanical strength and chemical stability with the unique electrochemical performance for electrical signal detection and transmission, has significant potential as a conductive scaffolding in the field of medicine. Photonic crystal materials, known as a novel concept in nerve substrates, have provided a new avenue for neuroengineering research because of their unique ordered structure and spectral attributes. The "organ-on-a-chip" systems have shown significant prospects for the developments of the solutions to nerve regeneration by mimicking the microenvironment of nerve tissue. This paper presents a review of current progress in the designs of biomaterials and microenvironments and provides case studies in developing nerve system stents upon these biomaterials. In addition, we compose a conductive patterned compounded biomaterial, which could mimic neuronal microenvironment for neuroengineering by concentrating the advantage of such biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanru Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yuhua Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Renjie Chai
- Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
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Palazzolo G, Moroni M, Soloperto A, Aletti G, Naldi G, Vassalli M, Nieus T, Difato F. Fast wide-volume functional imaging of engineered in vitro brain tissues. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8499. [PMID: 28819205 PMCID: PMC5561227 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08979-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The need for in vitro models that mimic the human brain to replace animal testing and allow high-throughput screening has driven scientists to develop new tools that reproduce tissue-like features on a chip. Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cultures are emerging as an unmatched platform that preserves the complexity of cell-to-cell connections within a tissue, improves cell survival, and boosts neuronal differentiation. In this context, new and flexible imaging approaches are required to monitor the functional states of 3D networks. Herein, we propose an experimental model based on 3D neuronal networks in an alginate hydrogel, a tunable wide-volume imaging approach, and an efficient denoising algorithm to resolve, down to single cell resolution, the 3D activity of hundreds of neurons expressing the calcium sensor GCaMP6s. Furthermore, we implemented a 3D co-culture system mimicking the contiguous interfaces of distinct brain tissues such as the cortical-hippocampal interface. The analysis of the network activity of single and layered neuronal co-cultures revealed cell-type-specific activities and an organization of neuronal subpopulations that changed in the two culture configurations. Overall, our experimental platform represents a simple, powerful and cost-effective platform for developing and monitoring living 3D layered brain tissue on chip structures with high resolution and high throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Palazzolo
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Moroni
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.,Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto, Italy.,Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - A Soloperto
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - G Aletti
- Dipartimento di Matematica, Università degli studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - G Naldi
- Dipartimento di Matematica, Università degli studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - M Vassalli
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council of Italy, Genoa, Italy
| | - T Nieus
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| | - F Difato
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.
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Marom A, Shor E, Levenberg S, Shoham S. Spontaneous Activity Characteristics of 3D "Optonets". Front Neurosci 2017; 10:602. [PMID: 28119555 PMCID: PMC5220075 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporadic spontaneous network activity emerges during early central nervous system (CNS) development and, as the number of neuronal connections rises, the maturing network displays diverse and complex activity, including various types of synchronized patterns. These activity patterns have major implications on both basic research and the study of neurological disorders, and their interplay with network morphology tightly correlates with developmental events such as neuronal differentiation, migration and establishment of neurotransmitter phenotypes. Although 2D neural cultures models have provided important insights into network activity patterns, these cultures fail to mimic the complex 3D architecture of natural CNS neural networks and its consequences on connectivity and activity. A 3D in-vitro model mimicking early network development while enabling cellular-resolution observations, could thus significantly advance our understanding of the activity characteristics in the developing CNS. Here, we longitudinally studied the spontaneous activity patterns of developing 3D in-vitro neural network “optonets,” an optically-accessible bioengineered CNS model with multiple cortex-like characteristics. Optonet activity was observed using the genetically encodable calcium indicator GCaMP6m and a 3D imaging solution based on a standard epi-fluorescence microscope equipped with a piezo-electric z-stage and image processing-based deconvolution. Our results show that activity patterns become more complex as the network matures, gradually exhibiting longer-duration events. This report characterizes the patterns over time, and discusses how environmental changes affect the activity patterns. The relatively high degree of similarity between the network's spontaneously generated activity patterns and the reported characteristics of in-vivo activity, suggests that this is a compelling model system for brain-in-a chip research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Marom
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology Haifa, Israel
| | - Erez Shor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology Haifa, Israel
| | - Shulamit Levenberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology Haifa, Israel
| | - Shy Shoham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology Haifa, Israel
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