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Abstract

Neuroscience

Use of Pre-Assembled Plastic Microfluidic Chips for Compartmentalizing Primary Murine Neurons

Published: November 2nd, 2018

DOI:

10.3791/58421

1UNC Neuroscience Center, 2UNC/NC State Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, UNC, 3Xona Microfluidics, LLC

Abstract

Microfabricated methods to compartmentalize neurons have become essential tools for many neuroscientists. This protocol describes the use of a commercially available pre-assembled plastic chip for compartmentalizing cultured primary rat hippocampal neurons. These plastic chips, contained within the footprint of a standard microscope slide, are compatible with high-resolution, live, and fluorescence imaging. This protocol demonstrates how to retrograde label neurons via isolated axons using a modified rabies virus encoding a fluorescent protein, create isolated microenvironments within one compartment, and perform axotomy and immunocytochemistry on-chip. Neurons are cultured for >3 weeks within the plastic chips, illustrating the compatibility of these chips for long-term neuronal cultures.

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Keywords Microfluidic Devices

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