Structured PDMS chambers for enhanced human neuronal cell activity on MEA platforms

Structured poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) chambers were designed and fabricated to enhance the signaling of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) - derived neuronal networks on microelectrode array (MEA) platforms. The structured PDMS chambers enable cell seeding on restricted areas and thus, reduce the amount of needed coating materials and cells. In addition, the neuronal cells formed spontaneously active networks faster in the structured PDMS chambers than in control chambers. In the PDMS chambers, the neuronal networks were more active and able to develop their signaling into organized signal trains faster than control cultures. The PDMS chamber design enables much more repeatable analysis and rapid growth of functional neuronal network in vitro. Moreover, due to its easy and cheap fabrication process, new configurations can be easily fabricated based on investigator requirements.