Topic: modular neuronal networks

Brain-on-a-chip, a method for reconstructing neuronal networks with brain-like properties in a cultured environment, has attracted attention for investigating the relationship between connection structure and activity patterns. As fundamental technologies for realizing such devices, bioengineering technologies to reconstruct modular structure and directional connection with living cells have been developed previously, they have not been integrated to realize modular networks with directionality. In this study, we developed a novel microfluidic device to reconstruct such network with cultured c

Neuronal ensembles, groups of simultaneously active neurons, are considered to be one of basic forms of information representation in the mammalian cortex. However, the mechanisms underlying the modulation of neuronal ensembles yet remain to be fully understood. Here, we investigated external input-dependent modulation of neuronal ensembles in cultured neuronal networks with modular connectivity mimicking the mammalian cortex. The modular neuronal networks were fabricated by growing cultured rat cortical neurons in microfluidic devices. A fraction of the neurons was stimulated using optogeneti