Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026
09:44
Author Spotlight: Advancing Large-Scale Neural Dynamics Through HD-MEA Technology
Published on: March 8, 2024
5.8K
An integrated microfluidic/microelectrode array for the study of activity-dependent intracellular dynamics in
Eve Moutaux1, Benoit Charlot, Aurélie Genoux
1Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1216, Bat. Edmond J. Safra, Chemin F Ferrini, F-38000 Grenoble, France. frederic.saudou@inserm.fr maxime.cazorla@inserm.fr.
Lab on a Chip
|October 6, 2018
Summary
This study introduces a microfluidic/microelectrode array (microMEA) platform for studying neural circuits. The system enables simultaneous recording of electrical and intracellular activity in presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons for better brain circuit understanding.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Bioengineering
- Cellular Dynamics
Background:
- Neurons form complex networks with distinct electrical and intracellular dynamics.
- Studying these dynamics in vivo, especially in fine structures like axons, is challenging.
- Understanding neural information processing requires preserving brain circuit organization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an on-a-chip system for studying activity-dependent dynamics in neural circuits.
- To enable simultaneous recording of intracellular and electrical activity in connected neurons.
- To investigate how intrinsic and network activities influence intracellular dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Developed an integrated microfluidic platform and microelectrode array (microMEA).
- System is compatible with high-resolution video-microscopy for simultaneous recordings.
- Utilized fluidic isolation for selective drug application and activity manipulation.
Main Results:
- Enabled simultaneous recording of intracellular dynamics and electrical activity in presynaptic axons and postsynaptic targets.
- Allowed for the application of specific electrical activity patterns to study their influence on intracellular dynamics.
- Facilitated site-specific drug application to investigate activity-dependent synaptic transmission.
Conclusions:
- The microMEA platform offers a valuable tool for studying neural circuits in a physiologically relevant context.
- It allows for detailed investigation of intracellular and synaptic dynamics in response to neuronal activity.
- This technology advances the study of brain circuit function and information processing.
Related Concept Videos
02:39The Integrated Rate Law: The Dependence of Concentration on Time
42.3K
While the differential rate law relates the rate and concentrations of reactants, a second form of rate law called the integrated rate law relates concentrations of reactants and time. Integrated rate laws can be used to determine the amount of reactant or product present after a period of time or to estimate the time required for a reaction to proceed to a certain extent. For example, an integrated rate law helps determine the length of time a radioactive material must be stored for its...
42.3K
02:26Protein Networks
4.6K
An organism can have thousands of different proteins, and these proteins must cooperate to ensure the health of an organism. Proteins bind to other proteins and form complexes to carry out their functions. Many proteins interact with multiple other proteins creating a complex network of protein interactions.
These interactions can be represented through maps depicting protein-protein interaction networks, represented as nodes and edges. Nodes are circles that are representative of a protein,...
These interactions can be represented through maps depicting protein-protein interaction networks, represented as nodes and edges. Nodes are circles that are representative of a protein,...
4.6K
01:24Intracellular Signaling Cascades
53.6K
Once a ligand binds to a receptor, the signal is transmitted through the membrane and into the cytoplasm. The continuation of a signal in this manner is called signal transduction. Signal transduction only occurs with cell-surface receptors, which cannot interact with most components of the cell, such as DNA. Only internal receptors can interact directly with DNA in the nucleus to initiate protein synthesis. When a ligand binds to its receptor, conformational changes occur that affect the...
53.6K
02:55Temperature Dependence on Reaction Rate
89.1K
The Collision Theory
Atoms, molecules, or ions must collide before they can react with each other. Atoms must be close together to form chemical bonds. This premise is the basis for a theory that explains many observations regarding chemical kinetics, including factors affecting reaction rates.
The collision theory is based on the postulates that (i) the reaction rate is proportional to the rate of reactant collisions, (ii) the reacting species collide in an orientation allowing contact between...
Atoms, molecules, or ions must collide before they can react with each other. Atoms must be close together to form chemical bonds. This premise is the basis for a theory that explains many observations regarding chemical kinetics, including factors affecting reaction rates.
The collision theory is based on the postulates that (i) the reaction rate is proportional to the rate of reactant collisions, (ii) the reacting species collide in an orientation allowing contact between...
89.1K
01:19Contact-dependent Signaling
47.5K
Contact-dependent signaling, as the name suggests, requires that communicating cells be in direct contact with each other. This is achieved either through receptor-ligand interactions or by specialized cytoplasmic channels that allow the flow of small molecules between cells. In animal cells, channels called gap junctions facilitate contact-dependent signaling in certain tissues, whereas, plasmodesmata perform a similar function in plants.
Gap Junctions
In animal cells, gap junctions are formed...
Gap Junctions
In animal cells, gap junctions are formed...
47.5K
02:18Network Covalent Solids
16.2K
Network covalent solids contain a three-dimensional network of covalently bonded atoms as found in the crystal structures of nonmetals like diamond, graphite, silicon, and some covalent compounds, such as silicon dioxide (sand) and silicon carbide (carborundum, the abrasive on sandpaper). Many minerals have networks of covalent bonds.
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
16.2K