Yu Zhe, Xiang Guangxin, Pan Liangbin, Huang Lihua, Yu Zhongyao, Xing Wanli, Cheng Jing
Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China.
Biomed Microdevices. 2004 Dec;6(4):311-24. doi: 10.1023/B:BMMD.0000048563.58129.76.
Developing new methods and technologies in order to pattern neurons into regular networks is of utmost scientific interest in the field of neurological research. An efficient method here is developed for trapping neurons and constructing ordered neuronal networks on bioelectronic chips by using arrayed negative dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces. A special bioelectronic chip with well defined positioning electrode arrays was designed and fabricated on silicon substrate. When a high frequency AC signal was applied, the cell positioning bioelectronic chip (CPBC) is able to provide a well-defined non-uniform electric field, and thus generate negative DEP forces. The parameters, such as size of positioning electrode, conductivity of working solution, amplitude and frequency of power signal and cell concentration, were investigated to optimize the performance of the CPBC. When the neuron suspension was added onto the energized bioelectronic chip, the neurons were immediately trapped and quickly formed the predetermined pattern. Neurons may adhere and then be cultured directly on the CPBC, and show good neuron viability and neurite development. The formation of the ordered neuronal networks after two-week culture demonstrates that negative dielectrophoretic force assisted construction of ordered neuronal networks is effective, and it could be used to assist in monitoring functional activities of neuronal networks.
开发新的方法和技术，以便将神经元排列成规则网络，在神经学研究领域具有极大的科学意义。本文开发了一种有效的方法，通过利用阵列式负介电泳（DEP）力，在生物电子芯片上捕获神经元并构建有序的神经网络。在硅基板上设计并制造了一种具有精确定位电极阵列的特殊生物电子芯片。当施加高频交流信号时，细胞定位生物电子芯片（CPBC）能够提供一个明确的非均匀电场，从而产生负DEP力。研究了定位电极尺寸、工作溶液电导率、功率信号的幅度和频率以及细胞浓度等参数，以优化CPBC的性能。当将神经元悬浮液添加到通电的生物电子芯片上时，神经元立即被捕获并迅速形成预定模式。神经元可能会附着，然后直接在CPBC上培养，并显示出良好的神经元活力和神经突发育。经过两周培养后有序神经网络的形成表明，负介电泳力辅助构建有序神经网络是有效的，并且可用于辅助监测神经网络的功能活动。
