Neural Network Formation on a Micropatterned and Material Regulated Biochip by Guiding and Promoting Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells for Alzheimer Studies

There has been a growing need for cell-based in vitro models of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease that would enable a better understanding of etiology and development of therapy strategies. Stem cells-based models may provide potential therapeutic strategies and drug screening for neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, a microfabrication system combined with microelectrode arrays with multi channels platform will be designed and fabricated to stimulate and determine the neuronal network development and organization. This system will provide a rapid, real-time, label-free, and non-destructive stimulation and analysis platform for neural network formation and to model neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. During the first year, microfluidic system combined with microelectrode arrays with multi channels platform (micropattern, surface modification of polyelectrolyte multilayer films, and electrical stimulation) for stimulation and determination of the neuronal network development and organization will be designed and fabricated. Bio-assays of neural stem/ progenitor cells (NSPCs) in the biochip include cell viability, cell differentiation, and neurite outgrowth will all be determined. During the second year, further bioassays include quantification of neuron network formation and functional active synapses will be determined. Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing records of network formation on different pattern and interface channels sizes will be monitored and compared with the bio-data. Then, β-amyloid (Aβ) and Tau protein will be added into the system to model Alzheimer's disease and test the toxic effects and investigate the degeneration of synapse. During the third year, the effect of electrical stimulation on the degenerative neurons, neurites, and astrocytes will also be determined. The Wnt signal pathway will also be determined. The correlation of the bioassay of NSPCs and impedance sensing will be established. This in vitro brain model will achieve a better understanding of neurologic disease pathology and may help the development of therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease. This chip may help to provide better understand or monitor specific pathways in neurodegenerative diseases based on its simplicity with limited variables in contrast to complex animal models.

Project ID:PC10901-0439
External Project ID:MOST107-2314-B182-017-MY3