Microfabricated platforms for the study of neuronal and cellular networks

In this contribution we present the development of three microfabricated devices for the study of neuronal and cellular networks. Together, these devices form an attractive toolbox, which is useful to stimulate and record signals of both electrical and chemical nature. One approach consist of microelectrode arrays for the study of neuronal networks, and allow for the electrical stimulation of individual cells in the network, while the other electrodes of the array record the electrical activity of the remaining cells of the network. We also present the use of micropipettes that can measure the extra- and intracellular concentrations of ions in cells cultures. A third approach exploits the laminar flows in a microfluidic device, to deliver minute amounts of drug to some cells in a cellular network. These three illustrations show that microfabricated platforms are appealing analytical tools in the context of cell biology. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd.