3D engineered neural networks coupled to Micro-Electrode Arrays: Development of an innovative in-vitro experimental model for neurophysiological studies

Monica Frega, M. Tedesco, Paolo Massobrio, Mattia Pesce, Adam Williamson, Andreas Schober, S. Martinoia

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

2D neuronal populations coupled to Micro-Electrode-Arrays (MEAs) constitute a well-established experimental in-vitro platform to study neurobiology, network electrophysiology, and basic injury-disease mechanisms. They are also widely used for neuropharmacological screening and neurotoxicity tests. Here we propose a new experimental in-vitro paradigm constituted by 3D engineered networks coupled to both planar and innovative 3D-MEAs. The advantage of such a model is clearly its improved representation of the actual in-vivo environment while maintaining some of the advantages (control, observation) of in-vitro systems. We constructed a physically connected 3D neural network and we demonstrate how the 3D network dynamic differs from the corresponding 2D model, resembling the one detected in the invivo situation. The obtained results suggest new avenues for the use of such 3D models for neurophysiological studies or for the development of biohybrid microsystems for in-vivo neural repair.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2013 6th International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering (NER)
PublisherIEEE
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-4673-1969-0
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 Jan 2014
Externally publishedYes
Event6th International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering, NER 2013 - Sheraton San Diego Hotel, San Diego, United States
Duration: 6 Nov 20138 Nov 2013
Conference number: 6

Publication series

Name2013 6th International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering (NER)

Conference

Conference6th International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering, NER 2013
Abbreviated titleNER
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period6/11/138/11/13

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