1
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Mateus JC, Sousa MM, Burrone J, Aguiar P. Beyond a Transmission Cable-New Technologies to Reveal the Richness in Axonal Electrophysiology. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1446232023. [PMID: 38479812 PMCID: PMC10941245 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1446-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The axon is a neuronal structure capable of processing, encoding, and transmitting information. This assessment contrasts with a limiting, but deeply rooted, perspective where the axon functions solely as a transmission cable of somatodendritic activity, sending signals in the form of stereotypical action potentials. This perspective arose, at least partially, because of the technical difficulties in probing axons: their extreme length-to-diameter ratio and intricate growth paths preclude the study of their dynamics through traditional techniques. Recent findings are challenging this view and revealing a much larger repertoire of axonal computations. Axons display complex signaling processes and structure-function relationships, which can be modulated via diverse activity-dependent mechanisms. Additionally, axons can exhibit patterns of activity that are dramatically different from those of their corresponding soma. Not surprisingly, many of these recent discoveries have been driven by novel technology developments, which allow for in vitro axon electrophysiology with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. In this review, we outline the state-of-the-art in vitro toolset for axonal electrophysiology and summarize the recent discoveries in axon function it has enabled. We also review the increasing repertoire of microtechnologies for controlling axon guidance which, in combination with the available cutting-edge electrophysiology and imaging approaches, have the potential for more controlled and high-throughput in vitro studies. We anticipate that a larger adoption of these new technologies by the neuroscience community will drive a new era of experimental opportunities in the study of axon physiology and consequently, neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Mateus
- i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - M M Sousa
- i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - J Burrone
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - P Aguiar
- i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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2
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Mariano A, Bovio CL, Criscuolo V, Santoro F. Bioinspired micro- and nano-structured neural interfaces. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 33:492501. [PMID: 35947922 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac8881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The development of a functional nervous system requires neurons to interact with and promptly respond to a wealth of biochemical, mechanical and topographical cues found in the neural extracellular matrix (ECM). Among these, ECM topographical cues have been found to strongly influence neuronal function and behavior. Here, we discuss how the blueprint of the architectural organization of the brain ECM has been tremendously useful as a source of inspiration to design biomimetic substrates to enhance neural interfaces and dictate neuronal behavior at the cell-material interface. In particular, we focus on different strategies to recapitulate cell-ECM and cell-cell interactions. In order to mimic cell-ECM interactions, we introduce roughness as a first approach to provide informative topographical biomimetic cues to neurons. We then examine 3D scaffolds and hydrogels, as softer 3D platforms for neural interfaces. Moreover, we will discuss how anisotropic features such as grooves and fibers, recapitulating both ECM fibrils and axonal tracts, may provide recognizable paths and tracks that neuron can follow as they develop and establish functional connections. Finally, we show how isotropic topographical cues, recapitulating shapes, and geometries of filopodia- and mushroom-like dendritic spines, have been instrumental to better reproduce neuron-neuron interactions for applications in bioelectronics and neural repair strategies. The high complexity of the brain architecture makes the quest for the fabrication of create more biologically relevant biomimetic architectures in continuous and fast development. Here, we discuss how recent advancements in two-photon polymerization and remotely reconfigurable dynamic interfaces are paving the way towards to a new class of smart biointerfaces forin vitroapplications spanning from neural tissue engineering as well as neural repair strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mariano
- Tissue Electronics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, I-80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Latte Bovio
- Tissue Electronics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, I-80125 Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, I-80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Criscuolo
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and IT, RWTH Aachen, D-52074, Germany
| | - Francesca Santoro
- Tissue Electronics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, I-80125 Naples, Italy
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and IT, RWTH Aachen, D-52074, Germany
- Institute for Biological Information Processing-Bioelectronics, Forschungszentrum Juelich, D-52428, Germany
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3
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Mariano A, Lubrano C, Bruno U, Ausilio C, Dinger NB, Santoro F. Advances in Cell-Conductive Polymer Biointerfaces and Role of the Plasma Membrane. Chem Rev 2021; 122:4552-4580. [PMID: 34582168 PMCID: PMC8874911 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
![]()
The plasma membrane
(PM) is often described as a wall, a physical
barrier separating the cell cytoplasm from the extracellular matrix
(ECM). Yet, this wall is a highly dynamic structure that can stretch,
bend, and bud, allowing cells to respond and adapt to their surrounding
environment. Inspired by shapes and geometries found in the biological
world and exploiting the intrinsic properties of conductive polymers
(CPs), several biomimetic strategies based on substrate dimensionality
have been tailored in order to optimize the cell–chip coupling.
Furthermore, device biofunctionalization through the use of ECM proteins
or lipid bilayers have proven successful approaches to further maximize
interfacial interactions. As the bio-electronic field aims at narrowing
the gap between the electronic and the biological world, the possibility
of effectively disguising conductive materials to “trick”
cells to recognize artificial devices as part of their biological
environment is a promising approach on the road to the seamless platform
integration with cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mariano
- Tissue Electronics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Lubrano
- Tissue Electronics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 80125 Naples, Italy.,Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Ugo Bruno
- Tissue Electronics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 80125 Naples, Italy.,Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Ausilio
- Tissue Electronics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Nikita Bhupesh Dinger
- Tissue Electronics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 80125 Naples, Italy.,Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Produzione Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Santoro
- Tissue Electronics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 80125 Naples, Italy
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4
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Higgins SG, Becce M, Belessiotis-Richards A, Seong H, Sero JE, Stevens MM. High-Aspect-Ratio Nanostructured Surfaces as Biological Metamaterials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1903862. [PMID: 31944430 PMCID: PMC7610849 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201903862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Materials patterned with high-aspect-ratio nanostructures have features on similar length scales to cellular components. These surfaces are an extreme topography on the cellular level and have become useful tools for perturbing and sensing the cellular environment. Motivation comes from the ability of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures to deliver cargoes into cells and tissues, access the intracellular environment, and control cell behavior. These structures directly perturb cells' ability to sense and respond to external forces, influencing cell fate, and enabling new mechanistic studies. Through careful design of their nanoscale structure, these systems act as biological metamaterials, eliciting unusual biological responses. While predominantly used to interface eukaryotic cells, there is growing interest in nonanimal and prokaryotic cell interfacing. Both experimental and theoretical studies have attempted to develop a mechanistic understanding for the observed behaviors, predominantly focusing on the cell-nanostructure interface. This review considers how high-aspect-ratio nanostructured surfaces are used to both stimulate and sense biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart G. Higgins
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | | | | | - Hyejeong Seong
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Julia E. Sero
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Molly M. Stevens
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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5
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Mateus JC, Lopes CDF, Cerquido M, Leitão L, Leitão D, Cardoso S, Ventura J, Aguiar P. Improved in vitro electrophysiology using 3D-structured microelectrode arrays with a micro-mushrooms islets architecture capable of promoting topotaxis. J Neural Eng 2019; 16:036012. [PMID: 30818300 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab0b86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- José C Mateus
- INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, R. Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal. i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, R. Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal. Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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6
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7
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Pardo-Figuerez M, Martin NRW, Player DJ, Roach P, Christie SDR, Capel AJ, Lewis MP. Controlled Arrangement of Neuronal Cells on Surfaces Functionalized with Micropatterned Polymer Brushes. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:12383-12391. [PMID: 30411006 PMCID: PMC6217525 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b01698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Conventional in vitro cultures are useful to represent simplistic neuronal behavior; however, the lack of organization results in random neurite spreading. To overcome this problem, control over the directionality of SH-SY5Y cells was attained, utilizing photolithography to pattern the cell-repulsive anionic brush poly(potassium 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate) (PKSPMA) into tracks of 20, 40, 80, and 100 μm width. These data validate the use of PKSPMA brush coatings for a long-term culture of the SH-SY5Y cells, as well as providing a methodology by which the precise deposition of PKSPMA can be utilized to achieve a targeted control over the SH-SY5Y cells. Specifically, the PKSPMA brush patterns prevented cell attachment, allowing the SH-SY5Y cells to grow only on noncoated glass (gaps of 20, 50, 75, and 100 μm width) at different cell densities (5000, 10 000, and 15 000 cells/cm2). This research demonstrates the importance of achieving cell directionality in vitro, while these simplistic models could provide new platforms to study complex neuron-neuron interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pardo-Figuerez
- National
Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), School of
Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, and Department of Chemistry, School
of Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, U.K.
| | - Neil R. W. Martin
- National
Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), School of
Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, and Department of Chemistry, School
of Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, U.K.
| | - Darren J. Player
- National
Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), School of
Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, and Department of Chemistry, School
of Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, U.K.
- Institute
of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, University College London, Stanmore HA7 4LP, U.K.
| | - Paul Roach
- National
Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), School of
Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, and Department of Chemistry, School
of Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, U.K.
| | - Steven D. R. Christie
- National
Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), School of
Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, and Department of Chemistry, School
of Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, U.K.
| | - Andrew J. Capel
- National
Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), School of
Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, and Department of Chemistry, School
of Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, U.K.
| | - Mark P. Lewis
- National
Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), School of
Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, and Department of Chemistry, School
of Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, U.K.
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8
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McGuire AF, Santoro F, Cui B. Interfacing Cells with Vertical Nanoscale Devices: Applications and Characterization. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2018; 11:101-126. [PMID: 29570360 PMCID: PMC6530470 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-061417-125705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Measurements of the intracellular state of mammalian cells often require probes or molecules to breach the tightly regulated cell membrane. Mammalian cells have been shown to grow well on vertical nanoscale structures in vitro, going out of their way to reach and tightly wrap the structures. A great deal of research has taken advantage of this interaction to bring probes close to the interface or deliver molecules with increased efficiency or ease. In turn, techniques have been developed to characterize this interface. Here, we endeavor to survey this research with an emphasis on the interface as driven by cellular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allister F McGuire
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA;
| | - Francesca Santoro
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA;
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 80125 Naples, Italy;
| | - Bianxiao Cui
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA;
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9
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Markov A, Maybeck V, Wolf N, Mayer D, Offenhäusser A, Wördenweber R. Engineering of Neuron Growth and Enhancing Cell-Chip Communication via Mixed SAMs. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:18507-18514. [PMID: 29763286 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b02948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The interface between cells and inorganic surfaces represents one of the key elements for bioelectronics experiments and applications ranging from cell cultures and bioelectronics devices to medical implants. In the present paper, we describe a way to tailor the biocompatibility of substrates in terms of cell growth and to significantly improve cell-chip communication, and we also demonstrate the reusability of the substrates for cell experiments. All these improvements are achieved by coating the substrates or chips with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) consisting of a mixture of organic molecules, (3-aminopropyl)-triethoxysilane and (3-glycidyloxypropyl)-trimethoxysilane. By varying the ratio of these molecules, we are able to tune the cell density and live/dead ratios of rat cortical neurons cultured directly on the mixed SAM as well as neurons cultured on protein-coated SAMs. Furthermore, the use of the SAM leads to a significant improvement in cell-chip communications. Action potential signals of up to 9.4 ± 0.6 mV (signal-to-noise ratio up to 47) are obtained for HL-1 cells on microelectrode arrays. Finally, we demonstrate that the SAMs facilitate a reusability of the samples for all cell experiments with little re-processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandr Markov
- Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-8) , Forschungszentrum Jülich , Jülich 52425 , Germany
| | - Vanessa Maybeck
- Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-8) , Forschungszentrum Jülich , Jülich 52425 , Germany
| | - Nikolaus Wolf
- Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-8) , Forschungszentrum Jülich , Jülich 52425 , Germany
| | - Dirk Mayer
- Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-8) , Forschungszentrum Jülich , Jülich 52425 , Germany
| | - Andreas Offenhäusser
- Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-8) , Forschungszentrum Jülich , Jülich 52425 , Germany
| | - Roger Wördenweber
- Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-8) , Forschungszentrum Jülich , Jülich 52425 , Germany
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10
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Heinrichs V, Dieluweit S, Stellbrink J, Pyckhout-Hintzen W, Hersch N, Richter D, Merkel R. Chemically defined, ultrasoft PDMS elastomers with selectable elasticity for mechanobiology. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195180. [PMID: 29624610 PMCID: PMC5889068 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Living animal cells are strongly influenced by the mechanical properties of their environment. To model physiological conditions ultrasoft cell culture substrates, in some instances with elasticity (Young's modulus) of only 1 kPa, are mandatory. Due to their long shelf life PDMS-based elastomers are a popular choice. However, uncertainty about additives in commercial formulations and difficulties to reach very soft materials limit their use. Here, we produced silicone elastomers from few, chemically defined and commercially available substances. Elastomers exhibited elasticities in the range from 1 kPa to 55 kPa. In detail, a high molecular weight (155 kg/mol), vinyl-terminated linear silicone was crosslinked with a multifunctional (f = 51) crosslinker (a copolymer of dimethyl siloxane and hydrosilane) by a platinum catalyst. The following different strategies towards ultrasoft materials were explored: sparse crosslinking, swelling with inert silicone polymers, and, finally, deliberate introduction of dangling ends into the network (inhibition). Rheological experiments with very low frequencies led to precise viscoelastic characterizations. All strategies enabled tuning of stiffness with the lowest stiffness of ~1 kPa reached by inhibition. This system was also most practical to use. Biocompatibility of materials was tested using primary cortical neurons from rats. Even after several days of cultivation no adverse effects were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Heinrichs
- Institute of Complex Systems 7, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
- Juelich Centre for Neutron Science 1 and Institute of Complex Systems 1, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Sabine Dieluweit
- Institute of Complex Systems 7, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Jörg Stellbrink
- Juelich Centre for Neutron Science 1 and Institute of Complex Systems 1, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Wim Pyckhout-Hintzen
- Juelich Centre for Neutron Science 1 and Institute of Complex Systems 1, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Nils Hersch
- Institute of Complex Systems 7, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Dieter Richter
- Juelich Centre for Neutron Science 1 and Institute of Complex Systems 1, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Rudolf Merkel
- Institute of Complex Systems 7, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
- * E-mail:
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11
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Massobrio G, Martinoia S, Massobrio P. Equivalent Circuit of the Neuro-Electronic Junction for Signal Recordings From Planar and Engulfed Micro-Nano-Electrodes. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS 2018; 12:3-12. [PMID: 28981426 DOI: 10.1109/tbcas.2017.2749451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In the latest years, several attempts to develop extracellular microtransducers to record electrophysiological activity of excitable cells have been done. In particular, many efforts have been oriented to increase the coupling conditions, and, thus, improving the quality of the recorded signal. Gold mushroom-shaped microelectrodes (GMμE) are an example of nano-devices to achieve those requirements. In this study, we developed an equivalent electrical circuit of the neuron-microelectrode system interface to simulate signal recordings from both planar and engulfed micro-nano-electrodes. To this purpose, models of the neuron, planar, gold planar microelectrode, and GMμE, neuro-electronic junction (microelectrode-electrolyte interface, cleft effect, and protein-glycocalyx electric double layer) are presented. Then, neuronal electrical activity is simulated by Hspice software, and analyzed as a function of the most sensitive biophysical models parameters, such as the neuron-microelectrode cleft width, spreading and seal resistances, ion-channel densities, double-layer properties, and microelectrode geometries. Results are referenced to the experimentally recorded electrophysiological neuronal signals reported in the literature.
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12
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Teshima TF, Nakashima H, Ueno Y, Sasaki S, Henderson CS, Tsukada S. Cell Assembly in Self-foldable Multi-layered Soft Micro-rolls. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17376. [PMID: 29273722 PMCID: PMC5741765 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17403-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Multi-layered thin films with heterogeneous mechanical properties can be spontaneously transformed to realise various three-dimensional (3D) geometries. Here, we describe micro-patterned all-polymer films called micro-rolls that we use for encapsulating, manipulating, and observing adherent cells in vitro. The micro-rolls are formed of twin-layered films consisting of two polymers with different levels of mechanical stiffness; therefore they can be fabricated by using the strain engineering and a self-folding rolling process. By controlling the strain of the films geometrically, we can achieve 3D tubular architectures with controllable diameters. Integration with a batch release of sacrificial hydrogel layers provides a high yield and the biocompatibility of the micro-rolls with any length in the release process without cytotoxicity. Thus, the multiple cells can be wrapped in individual micro-rolls and artificially reconstructed into hollow or fibre-shaped cellular 3D constructs that possess the intrinsic morphologies and functions of living tissues. This system can potentially provide 3D bio-interfaces such as those needed for reconstruction and assembly of functional tissues and implantable tissue grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuhiko F Teshima
- NTT Basic Research Laboratories, NTT Corporation, 3-1 Morinosato-Wakamiya, Atsugi, Kanagawa, 243-0198, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Nakashima
- NTT Basic Research Laboratories, NTT Corporation, 3-1 Morinosato-Wakamiya, Atsugi, Kanagawa, 243-0198, Japan
| | - Yuko Ueno
- NTT Basic Research Laboratories, NTT Corporation, 3-1 Morinosato-Wakamiya, Atsugi, Kanagawa, 243-0198, Japan
| | - Satoshi Sasaki
- NTT Basic Research Laboratories, NTT Corporation, 3-1 Morinosato-Wakamiya, Atsugi, Kanagawa, 243-0198, Japan
| | - Calum S Henderson
- NTT Basic Research Laboratories, NTT Corporation, 3-1 Morinosato-Wakamiya, Atsugi, Kanagawa, 243-0198, Japan
- School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, Scotland David Brewster Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FJ, United Kingdom
| | - Shingo Tsukada
- NTT Basic Research Laboratories, NTT Corporation, 3-1 Morinosato-Wakamiya, Atsugi, Kanagawa, 243-0198, Japan
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Toma M, Belu A, Mayer D, Offenhäusser A. Flexible Gold Nanocone Array Surfaces as a Tool for Regulating Neuronal Behavior. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2017; 13:1700629. [PMID: 28464550 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201700629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Accelerated neurite outgrowth of rat cortical neurons on a flexible and inexpensive substrate functionalized with gold nanocone arrays is reported. The gold nanocone arrays are fabricated on Teflon films by a bottom-up approach based on colloidal lithography followed by deposition of a thin gold layer. The geometry of nanocone arrays including height and pitch is controlled by the overall etching time and template polystyrene beads size. Fluorescence microscopy studies reveal high viability and significant morphological changes of the neurons on the structured surfaces. The elongation degree of neurite is maximized on the nanocone arrays created with 1 µm polystyrene beads by a factor of two with respect to the control. Furthermore, the interface between the neurons and the nanocones is investigated by scanning electron microscopy and focused ion beam cross-sectioning. The detailed observation of the neuron/nanocone interfaces reveals the morphological similarity between the nanocone tips and the neuronal processes, the existence of interspace at the interface between the cell body and the nanocones, and neurite bridging among the neighboring structures, which may induce the acceleration of neurite outgrowth. The flexible gold nanocone arrays can be a good supporting substrate of neuron culture with noble electrical and optical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mana Toma
- Institute of Bioelectronics ICS-8/PGI-8, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Andreea Belu
- Institute of Bioelectronics ICS-8/PGI-8, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Dirk Mayer
- Institute of Bioelectronics ICS-8/PGI-8, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Andreas Offenhäusser
- Institute of Bioelectronics ICS-8/PGI-8, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425, Jülich, Germany
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14
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On-chip, multisite extracellular and intracellular recordings from primary cultured skeletal myotubes. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36498. [PMID: 27812002 PMCID: PMC5095645 DOI: 10.1038/srep36498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to the extensive use of microelectrode array (MEA) technology in electrophysiological studies of cultured neurons and cardiac muscles, the vast field of skeletal muscle research has yet to adopt the technology. Here we demonstrate an empowering MEA technology for high quality, multisite, long-term electrophysiological recordings from cultured skeletal myotubes. Individual rat skeletal myotubes cultured on micrometer sized gold mushroom-shaped microelectrode (gMμE) based MEA tightly engulf the gMμEs, forming a high seal resistance between the myotubes and the gMμEs. As a consequence, spontaneous action potentials generated by the contracting myotubes are recorded as extracellular field potentials with amplitudes of up to 10 mV for over 14 days. Application of a 10 ms, 0.5-0.9 V voltage pulse through the gMμEs electroporated the myotube membrane, and transiently converted the extracellular to intracellular recording mode for 10-30 min. In a fraction of the cultures stable attenuated intracellular recordings were spontaneously produced. In these cases or after electroporation, subthreshold spontaneous potentials were also recorded. The introduction of the gMμE-MEA as a simple-to-use, high-quality electrophysiological tool together with the progress made in the use of cultured human myotubes opens up new venues for basic and clinical skeletal muscle research, preclinical drug screening, and personalized medicine.
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A feasibility study of multi-site,intracellular recordings from mammalian neurons by extracellular gold mushroom-shaped microelectrodes. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14100. [PMID: 26365404 PMCID: PMC4568476 DOI: 10.1038/srep14100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of multi-electrode array platforms for large scale recording of neurons is at the forefront of neuro-engineering research efforts. Recently we demonstrated, at the proof-of-concept level, a breakthrough neuron-microelectrode interface in which cultured Aplysia neurons tightly engulf gold mushroom-shaped microelectrodes (gMμEs). While maintaining their extracellular position, the gMμEs record synaptic- and action-potentials with characteristic features of intracellular recordings. Here we examined the feasibility of using gMμEs for intracellular recordings from mammalian neurons. To that end we experimentally examined the innate size limits of cultured rat hippocampal neurons to engulf gMμEs and measured the width of the “extracellular” cleft formed between the neurons and the gold surface. Using the experimental results we next analyzed the expected range of gMμEs-neuron electrical coupling coefficients. We estimated that sufficient electrical coupling levels to record attenuated synaptic- and action-potentials can be reached using the gMμE-neuron configuration. The definition of the engulfment limits of the gMμEs caps diameter at ≤2–2.5 μm and the estimated electrical coupling coefficients from the simulations pave the way for rational development and application of the gMμE based concept for in-cell recordings from mammalian neurons.
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