Book/Dissertation / PhD Thesis

FZJ-2021-01396

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Optogenetic and electrical investigation of network dynamics in patterned neuronal cultures

Hondrich, T. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2021
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Zentralbibliothek, Verlag Jülich
ISBN: 978-3-95806-555-0

Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/28317  urn:nbn:de:0001-2021080911

Abstract: Our nervous system is one of the most complex systems on earth. To investigate some ofthe nervous system’s basic principles, neuronal cell cultures provide a highly controllable,experimental platform of reduced complexity. These basic principles include periods ofsynchronous neuronal activity that can be an important mediator of higher functions suchas memory. Another basic principle governing the nervous system’s functionality is itsmodularity. Anatomical modularity can be modeled in vitro using neuronal patterningtechniques, one of which is microcontact printing. The functional connectivity of such patternednetworks was interrogated using optogenetic techniques, such as calcium indicatorsand light-gated ion channels, or electrophysiological methods, such as patch-clamping ormicroelectrode arrays. In the first part of this thesis, I modified different methods offeringcontrol over neuronal cell cultures. The control over cellular localization could beimproved by chemically uncoupling substrate from coating via the silane GLYMO. Thisprevents cells almost completely from growing on the cell-repellent background instead ofthe cell-attractive pattern. Moreover, microelectrode arrays with holey gold as a conductivematerial were used for electrical recordings. With its plasmonically induced, threefoldincrease in transparency compared to solid gold, holey gold can be combined with toolsfor controlling neurons optically, such as optogenetics. In the second and third part of thisthesis, I investigated the functional properties - such as signal propagation, synchronicity,and network connectivity - of modular patterned neuronal networks in an all-opticalapproach. The triangular, anatomical modules direct neuronal action potentials preferentiallytowards their tip and subsequent modules. This is true for both main designs,an elliptic one and one with a small upstream module connected to a larger population.This directionality, and an increased calcium response to same-module stimulations, indicatesthat triangular anatomical modules also represent functional modules.

Note: Dissertation, RWTH Aachen University, 2021

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Bioelektronik (IBI-3)

Research Program(s):

1. 552 - Engineering Cell Function (POF3-552) (POF3-552)

Appears in the scientific report 2021

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