A functional neuron maturation device provides convenient application on microelectrode array for neural network measurement

• Published in: Biomaterials research Vol. 26; no. 1; p. 84
• Main Authors: Han, Xiaobo, Matsuda, Naoki, Ishibashi, Yuto, Odawara, Aoi, Takahashi, Sayuri, Tooi, Norie, Kinoshita, Koshi, Suzuki, Ikuro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 20.12.2022; BioMed Central; American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
• Subjects: Convenient application; Human induced pluripotent stem cells; Microelectrodes array; Neural network function; Neural networks; Neurons; Peripheral neurons; SCAD device; Stem cells; Microelectrodes array; SCAD device; Convenient application; Human induced pluripotent stem cells; Peripheral neurons; Neural network function; In vitro to in vivo extrapolation
• ISSN: 1226-4601; 2055-7124; 2055-7124
• DOI: 10.1186/s40824-022-00324-z

Microelectrode array (MEA) systems are valuable for in vitro assessment of neurotoxicity and drug efficiency. However, several difficulties such as protracted functional maturation and high experimental costs hinder the use of MEA analysis requiring human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Neural network functional parameters are also needed for in vitro to in vivo extrapolation. In the present study, we produced a cost effective nanofiber culture platform, the SCAD device, for long-term culture of hiPSC-derived neurons and primary peripheral neurons. The notable advantage of SCAD device is convenient application on multiple MEA systems for neuron functional analysis. We showed that the SCAD device could promote functional maturation of cultured hiPSC-derived neurons, and neurons responded appropriately to convulsant agents. Furthermore, we successfully analyzed parameters for in vitro to in vivo extrapolation, i.e., low-frequency components and synaptic propagation velocity of the signal, potentially reflecting neural network functions from neurons cultured on SCAD device. Finally, we measured the axonal conduction velocity of peripheral neurons. Neurons cultured on SCAD devices might constitute a reliable in vitro platform to investigate neuron functions, drug efficacy and toxicity, and neuropathological mechanisms by MEA.