A user-friendly scalable microfluidic platform for enhanced neuron-cell culture

DESCRIPTIONprovided by applicantNeuron cell culture is widely used for studies in basic researchdrug discoveryand toxicity testingTraditional neuron cell culture approaches result in random growth of processes which prevent the study of their unique polarized morphologyOur goal is to provide robustuser friendlyand cost effective culture platforms to manipulate and access neurons and their subcellular compartmentsaxonscell body and dendritesData acquired through sales of prototype platforms developed and patented by our team show a large and increasing demandBecause of the unique morphology of neurons and the difficulty in manipulating and studying neurons in vivothis platform has rapidly become an important tool for cell based experimental neuroscienceThese platforms are compatible with high resolution microscopy and allow axons to be manipulated and biochemically analyzedThese prototype platforms are currently replica molded using an optically transparent polymer against master molds that are patterned using photolithographyIn Phase I we developed a new fabrication strategy that will allow us to provide devices that are more uniform and significantly reduce our scrap rate by eliminating cutting or punching of the polymerThis Phase II project will first focu on expanding this fabrication strategy to undertake large scale manufacturing of our platformBased on customer feedback we also identified unmet needs for preassembled devicesdevices optimized for human stem cell derived neuronsand devices amenable to the investigation of synapsesIn this Phase II project we will further focus on these new devices using our feasibility data obtained during the Phase I funding periodThe future commercialization of these devices will scientifically benefit the neuroscience research and testing community by enabling new experimental paradigms