Advanced seizure initiation and prediction model

Our main aim is to develop an in vitro seizure model that includes human neuronal networks which express epileptic seizures naturally, after induction or due to the seizurogenic nature of an introduced compound. Neural networks are grown under controlled conditions in a microfluidic platform equipped with sensors and electrodes. The model will enable initiation of specific seizure fingerprints, characterization of in vitro seizure types in epilepsies of different genetical background as well as testing of drug therapies. It also provides means for testing seizurogenic side effects of compounds in drug development pipelines. The model is foreseen as a valuable tool for the in vitro research of epileptic disease mechanisms, drug development and screening, and testing of neurotoxic compounds.