Cell placement and guidance on substrates for neurochip interfaces

Interface devices such as integrated planar patch-clamp chips are being developed to study the electrophysiological activity of neuronal networks grown in vitro. The utility of such devices will be dependent upon the ability to align neurons with interface features on the chip by controlling neuronal placement and by guiding cell connectivity. In this paper, we present a strategy to accomplish this goal. Patterned chemical modification of SiN surfaces with poly-d-lysine transferred from PDMS stamps was used to promote adhesion and guidance of cryo-preserved primary rat cortical neurons. We demonstrate that these neurons can be positioned and grown over microhole features which will ultimately serve as patch-clamp interfaces on the chip.