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，即“神经芯片”，它将支持培养的神经网络的生长和发育，并将大大提高研究人员研究它们的能力。该结构将是一个61“威尔斯”的阵列，其中可以放置解离的神经元，并将它们中的每一个保持在细胞外电极附近。所述威尔斯将允许轴突和树突的突起生长，并且紧密间隔，以便支持神经元的突触连接以形成网络。该原型可以扩展到更大的网络，并且制造方法将与片上CMOS电子器件兼容，用于片上处理，控制和无线通信。 电极将提供非破坏性地刺激和记录网络中任何选定神经元的能力，支持随时间推移的网络连接性研究;自发活动模式;以及刺激引起的活动依赖性效应。该项目的第二个目标是利用神经芯片进行一系列初步实验，这些实验将揭示连接的发展、刺激对重塑网络的影响以及“学习”反应的产生。这些将提供独特的网络行为的知识，详细地说，超出了现在可能在体内或体外的技术。 此外，神经芯片网络有潜力揭示与药物设计和开发相关的药理作用，并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.