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Microfluidic and Compartmentalized Platforms for Neurobiological Research pp 127–137Cite as

Development of Microfluidic Devices for the Manipulation of Neuronal Synapses

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Part of the book series: Neuromethods ((NM,volume 103))

Abstract

Key determinants in the development of complex morphology and function are the cues present in a cell’s environment and its response to them. Primary among these extracellular factors is the presence and influence of neighboring cells. It is crucial, therefore, in studying development to be able to replicate in vitro these network-like conditions. This is especially true of neuroscience, tissue engineering, and clinical biology, where network formation and function are critical aspects of any investigation.

Here we describe an easy and inexpensive technique based on microfluidics that provides a high degree of control in positioning and guiding cells, thereby enabling the laying down of desired cellular networks. This approach facilitates the study of synaptic connections where information is communicated between neurons. Such microscale devices are increasingly being employed for studying neurons in highly controlled environments wherein different regions of a network, or even a cell, are cultured in fluidically isolated compartments. Enhanced strategies such as highly regulated manipulations of fluid flow and physical guidance cues when combined with this compartmentalization provide an unparalleled degree of spatiotemporal control over the conformation of the neural network and the stimulation of synapses. This facilitates high-resolution investigations despite the cellular complexity. Consequently, the microfluidic culture platform presents an unparalleled context for unraveling the changes occurring at the microscale and nanoscale of synaptic connections, thereby aiding elucidation of the nuances of neuronal development, wiring, and function.

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Acknowledgements

We thank past and present members of the Gillette lab, especially the Neuro-Nano group, for insightful discussions. Support from the National Institute of Mental Health (MH101655) and the National Science Foundation (NSF STC CBET 093951 and IOS 1354913 to M. U. G. and IGERT CMMB 0965918 to A. J.) is gratefully acknowledged. A part of this review was written while M. U. Gillette was a visiting scholar at the Friday Harbor Laboratories, University of Washington.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA

    Anika Jain & Martha U. Gillette

  2. Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois, B107 CLSL, 601 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana-Champaign, IL, 61801, USA

    Martha U. Gillette

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  1. Anika Jain
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  2. Martha U. Gillette
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Correspondence to Martha U. Gillette .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini (LC), Milano, Italy

    Emilia Biffi

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Jain, A., Gillette, M.U. (2015). Development of Microfluidic Devices for the Manipulation of Neuronal Synapses. In: Biffi, E. (eds) Microfluidic and Compartmentalized Platforms for Neurobiological Research. Neuromethods, vol 103. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2510-0_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2510-0_7

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-2509-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-2510-0

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