Microfluidic Chips with “axon Diodes” for Directed Axonal Outgrowth and Reconstruction of Complex Live Neural Networks

This paper reports the design of a new type of micro-fabricated device allowing the directed axon outgrowth from different neuronal subtypes and their subsequent connections to create live neural networks. Micro-fluidic cell culture systems enable the fluidic isolation of the neuronal cell bodies from their axons. Our novel chamber design enables directed axon outgrowth between different neuronal subtypes, using asymmetrical micro-channels. As a proof, we show the in vitro reconstruction of a directed cortico-striatal network using primary neurons.