Designer Neural Networks with Embedded Semiconductor Microtube Arrays

Aune Koitmäe; Manuel Müller; Cornelius S Bausch; Jann Harberts; Wolfgang Hansen; Gabriele Loers; Robert H Blick

doi:10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b03311

Designer Neural Networks with Embedded Semiconductor Microtube Arrays

Langmuir. 2018 Jan 30;34(4):1528-1534. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b03311. Epub 2018 Jan 12.

Authors

Aune Koitmäe^{1

2}, Manuel Müller^{1

2}, Cornelius S Bausch¹, Jann Harberts^{1

2}, Wolfgang Hansen^{1

2}, Gabriele Loers³, Robert H Blick^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Nanostructure and Solid State Physics (INF), University of Hamburg , Jungiusstraße 11c, Hamburg 20355, Germany.
² Center for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN), University of Hamburg , Luruper Chaussee 159, Gebäude 600, Hamburg 22761, Germany.
³ Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.

PMID: 29261324
DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b03311

Abstract

Here we present a designer's approach to building cellular neuronal networks based on a biocompatible negative photoresist with embedded coaxial feedthroughs made of semiconductor microtubes. The diameter of the microtubes is tailored and adjusted to the diameter of cerebellum axons having a diameter of 2-3 μm. The microtubes as well as the SU-8 layer serve as a topographical cue to the axons. Apart from the topographical guidance, we also employ chemical guidance cues enhancing neuron growth at designed spots. Therefore, the amino acid poly-l-lysine is printed in droplets of pl volume in the front of the tube entrances. Our artificial neuronal network has an extremely high yield of 85% of the somas settled at the desired locations. We complete this by basic patch-clamp measurements on single cells within the neuronal network.