Caltech Micromachining Laboratory

Caltech Micromachining Laboratory Parylene Neuro-Cages for Live Neural Networks Study

Project Abstract

Here we present for the first time a surface micromachined Parylene neuro-cage array for live neural networks study. Various types of neuro-cages have been fabricated and several adhesion promotion techniques have been explored. The Parylene neurocages are tested through cell culture experiments to be both biologically compatible and mechanically functional. Cultured neuron cell bodies have been successfully trapped in Parylene micro-cages, each in a single cage, while their neurites grow out through Parylene channels and form live neural networks. In addition, there is no observable difference between neural growth on Parylene and on oxide surfaces. The fabrication process is also very flexible to accommodate different cells, leading to possible applications of this technology in cell study and drug discovery.

References

Q. He, E. Meng, Y.C. Tai, C. Rutherglen, J. Erickson and J. Pine, "Parylene Neuro-cages for Live Neural Networks Study," Technical Digest, The 12th International Conference on Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems (Transducers '03), Boston, USA, pp. 995-998 (2003).

Involved Personnel

Qing He, Ellis Meng, Yu-Chong Tai, Christopher M. Rutherglen, Jon Erickson, and Jerome Pine

Related Publications

J.A. Wright, S.T. Lucic, Y.-C. Tai, M.P. Maher, H. Dvorak and J. Pine, “Towards a functional MEMS neurowell by physiological experimentation”, ASME Int. Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, DSC-Vol. 59, Atlanta, GA, pp. 333-338, Nov. 1996.

M.P. Maher, J. Pine, J. Wright and Y.-C. Tai, “The neurochip: a new multielectrode device for stimulating and recording from cultured neurons”, Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 87, 1999, 45-56.

M. Liger, D.C. Rodger, and Y.-C. Tai, “Robust Parylene-to-Silicon Mechanical Anchoring”, 16th IEEE Int. Conf. on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS ´03), Kyoto, Japan, Jan. 2003, pp. 602-605.