Application of polymer microstructures with controlled surface chemistries as a platform for creating and interfacing with synthetic neural networks

Hybrid silicon-polymer chips with microscale topography and contrasting surface chemistries were created using a novel combination of soft lithography techniques, and evaluated for their suitability as a platform to guide cell attachment, growth and differentiation. These capabilities are all necessary to synthesize organized neural networks in vitro. Neurons developed on these chips exhibit patterned growth and functional communication, evidenced by spontaneous and stimulated action potentials and intracellular calcium oscillations. Integration of planar patch-clamp technology into this platform to create a novel long-term interface is presented, with the formation of a high resistance (giga-ohm) electrical seal between the cultured cell membrane and the perimeter of a micron-sized orifice integrated into the substrate. This platform has potential as a tool to investigate mechanisms underlying neuro-genesis, synaptic transmission, and neuro-degeneration. It may also lead to the development of more sophisticated and functionally relevant bioassays and high throughput electrophysiological screening, thus speeding the drug discovery process.