The Neurochip: A New Tool for Studying Cultured Networks

描述(由申请人提供)： 该项目的主要目标是开发一种硅基结构的原型，这是一种将支持培养的神经网络的生长和发展，并将极大地提高研究人员研究它们的能力的“神经芯片”。该结构将是一个由61个“井”组成的阵列，可以将分离的神经元放置在其中，并将每个神经元保持在靠近细胞外电极的位置。这些孔将允许轴突和树突的突起生长，并保持紧密的间隔，以支持神经元的突触连接形成网络。该原型可以扩展到更大的网络，并且制造方法将与用于片上处理、控制和无线通信的片上CMOS电子学兼容。 电极将提供无破坏性地刺激和记录来自网络中任何选定神经元的能力，从而支持对网络随时间的连通性、自发活动的模式以及刺激产生的活动依赖效应的研究。该项目的第二个目标是利用神经芯片进行初步的一系列实验，以揭示连接的发展、刺激对重塑网络的影响以及创造“习得的”反应。这些将提供关于网络行为的独特知识，详细程度超过目前体内或体外现有技术所能提供的知识。 此外，神经芯片网络有可能揭示与药物设计和开发相关的药理效应，也有可能展示遗传缺陷对神经系统功能的影响。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The primary goal of this project is to develop a prototype of a silicon-based structure, the "neurochip" which will support the growth and development of cultured neural networks and will greatly enhance the ability of researchers to study them. The structure will be an array of 61 "wells" into which dissociated neurons can be placed, and which will hold each of them in proximity to an extracellular electrode. The wells will allow process outgrowth of axons and dendrites and be closely spaced so as to support synaptic connectivity of the neurons to form a network. The prototype can be scaled up to larger networks, and the fabrication method will be compatible with on-chip CMOS electronics for on-chip processing, control, and wireless communication. The electrodes will provide the capability to stimulate and record from any chosen neurons of the network non-destructively, supporting studies of the network connectivity over time; of patterns of spontaneous activity;, and of activity-dependent effects resulting from stimulation. A second goal of the project is to utilize neurochips to perform an initial series of experiments which will reveal the development of connections, the effects of stimulation on remodeling the network and the creation of "learned" responses. These will provide unique knowledge of network behavior, in detail, beyond what is now possible with available techniques in vivo or in vitro. In addition, neurochip networks have the potential to reveal pharmacological effects relevant to drug design and deveIopment, and also to exhibit the effects on nervous system function of genetic defects.