Neuromuscular diseases span a wide range of rare conditions, and Creative Biolabs now provides the neuron-on-a-chip model as a powerful tool for exploring their etiology and complex pathophysiology.
Advantages of Neuron-On-A-Chip Model
The gold standard for neurological disease modeling is often animal models, especially humanized mice, but the disease phenotypes induced by animals are often very different from humans in terms of progression and severity. However, simple two-dimensional in vitro culture cannot reproduce human genetics, anatomy and physiological characteristics, and the growing neural network is chaotic and lacks the reproducibility of an experimental model. In contrast, neuron-on-a-chip model can reproduce human body signs, induce nerve cell differentiation and synapse growth with economic and research value. Since the complete isolation of primary motor neurons from humans remains histologically infeasible, neurochips increasingly use neuroblastoma cells or mouse embryonic motor neurons, which retain proliferative properties while exhibiting specific neuronal properties such as acetylcholine synthesis, neurofilament protein expression, and neurotransmitter release.
Fig. 1 Neuronal network. (Jongh, 2020)
Typical Neuron-On-A-Chip Model
Standardized neural chips often use a multi-chamber structure. Multiple culture chambers are connected by narrow channels, and the specific growth of axons can be achieved by controlling the height and length of the channels. When the height of the microchannel is less than 5 μm, only neurites can enter the tunnel, and when the length of the microchannel exceeds 400 μm, only axons can extend into another chamber. Our dual-chamber neuron chips enable controlled axon growth and signal propagation in desired directions. The transparent chip structure also allows direct visualization of cell growth or protein expression. This chip is suitable for a variety of culture experiments, including axon growth, axon transport, synaptic manipulation, neuronal migration, and neuronal/non-neuronal interactions.
Fig 2. Our dual-chamber neuron chip is the best choice for neural research. (Jongh, 2020)
Advanced Neuron-On-A-Chip Model
Advances in soft lithography and surface biofunctionalization have made microfluidic channel devices with different patterns a reality, and microchannel networks with specific pattern structures often have better operability and accessibility. Through our neurochip customization service, you can design the pattern shape and topology of the chip yourself to achieve controlled growth of cell bodies and neurite extensions, and nerve cells will exhibit neuron polarity in a specific direction and elongate in the expected direction. The integration of electrophysiological components and chemical gradient generation components allows your experiments to explore the relationship between the microenvironment and cellular function in greater depth and breadth.
Fig 3. Customed neuron chips with special designs can meet more experimental needs. (Jongh, 2020)
Our Services
Combining a novel microfabrication technique with a histological platform, Creative Biolabs has successfully expanded the dimension of neuronal research in vitro. Our neuron chips enable the separation of cell bodies from neurites, ensuring you controlled and reproducible experimental readouts. Our microfluidic custom platform allows you to manipulate the growth and connection of neuronal networks according to the structural design, simulating the human microenvironment, while manipulating and measuring the physiological activities of organelles and cells. Whether it is used for single-cell analysis network or neural cluster network test, the customized neuron-on-a-chip model will be your most beneficial in vitro research tool, so don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
Reference
Jongh, R.D.; et al. Neuromuscular junction-on-a-chip: ALS disease modeling and read-out development in microfluidic devices. Journal of Neurochemistry. 2021, 157: 393-412.
Features and Benefits
High-Throughput Screening Capability
Neuron-On-A-Chip models allow for high-throughput screening of drugs, enabling the testing of multiple compounds simultaneously. This accelerates the drug discovery process by quickly identifying promising candidates and eliminating ineffective ones early in development.
Versatile Application Range
Neuron-On-A-Chip models can be used for a wide range of applications, from studying neurodegenerative diseases to screening neurotoxins. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for various aspects of neuroscience and drug development research.
Scalable and Reproducible
Neuron-On-A-Chip models are highly scalable, allowing for both small-scale exploratory studies and large-scale screening projects. The reproducible nature of these models ensures consistent results across different experiments and laboratories.
Advanced Data Analysis
Sophisticated data analysis tools and software are available to interpret the complex data generated by Neuron-On-A-Chip experiments. This enhances the understanding of neuronal behavior, network dynamics, and drug effects, leading to more informed conclusions.
Customizable Microfluidic Design
The microfluidic platforms can be tailored to specific research needs, including different neuron types, network configurations, and experimental conditions. This customization ensures that the models are highly relevant to the particular scientific questions being addressed
Q&As
Q: What types of neurons can be used in the Neuron-On-A-Chip models?
A: Various types of neurons can be used, including cortical neurons, motor neurons, sensory neurons, and neurons derived from stem cells. This versatility makes the technology suitable for modeling different aspects of the nervous system and various neurological conditions.
Q: What are the advantages of using Neuron-On-A-Chip over traditional cell culture?
A: Advantages include better mimicry of the in vivo neural environment, precise control over experimental conditions, and the ability to study complex neuronal interactions. Neuron-On-A-Chip models also facilitate real-time monitoring and high-throughput screening.
Q: How is data from Neuron-On-A-Chip models analyzed?
A: Data analysis involves monitoring neuronal activity through electrophysiological recordings, imaging techniques, and molecular assays. Advanced data analysis tools are used to interpret the results, providing insights into neuronal behavior, network dynamics, and drug effects.
Q: What challenges are associated with Neuron-On-A-Chip technology?
A: Challenges include the technical complexity of designing and fabricating the microfluidic devices, maintaining the viability and functionality of cultured neurons, and the need for specialized equipment and expertise. Despite these challenges, the technology is advancing rapidly.
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Fig. 1 Neuronal network. (Jongh, 2020)
Fig 2. Our dual-chamber neuron chip is the best choice for neural research. (Jongh, 2020)
Fig 3. Customed neuron chips with special designs can meet more experimental needs. (Jongh, 2020)
