Low density cell culture of locust neurons in closed-channel microfluidic devices

Microfluidic channel systems were fabricated out of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and used as culture vessels for primary culture of neurons from locust thoracic ganglia. In a biocompatibility study it was shown that cell adhesion and neuronal cell growth of locust neurons on uncoated PDMS was restricted. Coating with concanavalin A improved cell adhesion. In closed-channel microfluidic devices neurons were grown in static-bath culture conditions for more than 15 days. Cell densities of up to 20 cells/channel were not exceeded in low-density cultures but we also found optimal cell growth of single neurons inside individual channels. The first successful cultivation of insect neurons in closed-channel microfluidic devices provides a prerequisite for the development of low density neuronal networks on multi electrode arrays combined with microfluidic devices.