Microfluidics technologies for reconstituting neuronal network functions in vitro

Abstract

The structure and function of complex neuronal networks in the brain can be partly reconstituted in vitro by integrating cell culture experiments with microfluidic device technology. Here, we provide an overview of our recent work on the development of microfluidic devices for reconstituting small neuronal networks with the modular structure, a canonical connectivity in the nervous systems of the animals, and functional recordings from the reconstituted neuronal networks. We discuss how these fundamental technologies provide novel tools for exploring structure-function relationships in living neuronal networks and for exploring the physical basis of biological computing in the brain.