Abstract
Conventional neuronal in vitro systems largely fail to create order in growth patterns and connectivity. Therefore, although patterned electrical stimulation of neurons in culture is possible, for example through microelectrode arrays or optogenetics, channelling the output into specific arrangements to their targets is very difficult. This synergistic project sitting at the interface between engineering and neuroscience will use specially microprinted substrates to produce growth structures (micro-needles) as a 3D scaffold for neuronal outgrowth. The goal is to create a novel in vitro culturing system for applications where the analysis or simple use of pattered neural connections will be required.
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