Techniques for patterning and guidance of primary culture neurons on micro-electrode arrays

In this work, two different micro-patterning methods for use in the growth guidance of dissociated primary culture neuron cells are compared: open chemically patterned growth substrates and enclosed micro-fluidic channels. Open, chemically patterned growth substrates are prepared by photolithographically patterning perfluoropolymer barrier structures on glass substrates. Neural pathways are created when poly-l-lysine is selectively adsorbed on the glass to form a cytophilic growth matrix. Adsorption of albumin proteins on the perfluoropolymer regions renders the surface cytophobic. In a second method, a three-dimensional micro-fluidic system, fabricated from PDMS is tested as a way to guide neural growth through total confinement and for cell placement. Both of these methods are tested for alignment and compatibility on a commercially available micro-electrode array (MED64). Biological culture and imaging techniques are considered.