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Microfluidic Chip for Axonal Injury Models Construction and Enabling Multi-Omics Analysis
Published on: October 14, 2025
A microfluidic chip for axonal isolation and electrophysiological measurements
Ville Jokinen1, Prasanna Sakha, Pia Suvanto
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Technology, Aalto University, Tietotie 3, 02150 Espoo, Finland. ville.p.jokinen@aalto.fi
Journal of Neuroscience Methods
|November 6, 2012
Summary
This study introduces a novel microfluidic chip for culturing neurons and isolating axons, enabling advanced electrophysiological studies. The device facilitates functional synaptic connectivity assessment between separated neuronal populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Bioengineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Culturing neurons while maintaining axonal and somatic separation is challenging.
- Existing methods often limit long-term culture or detailed electrophysiological analysis.
- Asymmetric manipulation of neuronal populations requires sophisticated microfluidic control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a modular microfluidic chip for neuron culture and spatial axon isolation.
- To enable visually guided whole-cell electrophysiological measurements on isolated neuronal components.
- To demonstrate functional synaptic connectivity between axonally connected, yet fluidically isolated, neuronal populations.
Main Methods:
- A modular, detachable, and re-sealable microfluidic chip design was employed.
- Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were utilized to assess neuronal viability and function.
- Fluidic isolation enabled asymmetric lentiviral infection with channelrhodopsin-2 expression.
Main Results:
- Neurons cultured on the chip maintained functional viability with isolated axons.
- Asymmetric infection allowed targeted expression of channelrhodopsin-2 in specific neuronal populations.
- Light-evoked excitatory postsynaptic responses were recorded in uninfected neurons, confirming synaptic transmission.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic chip effectively supports neuron culturing and axon isolation for electrophysiology.
- The device enables functional assessment of synaptic connectivity in spatially separated neuronal networks.
- This technology advances the study of neuronal communication and circuit function.
