An active microscaffold for culturing 3-D neuronal networks

This paper describes the design, fabrication, and initial characterization of a novel 3D active scaffold for re-aggregate neuronal cultures. The active microscaffold consists of an array of microtowers with integrated fluid delivery/perfusion capabilities as well as integrated electrodes for stimulation/recording within a 3D cell culture environment. Fabrication and packaging of the active microscaffold is presented. Use of the microscaffold is demonstrated by culturing primary hippocampal embryonic rat pup neurons and characterizing cell viability within the system.