Encyclopedia of Experiments: Neuroscience
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Transcript
Begin with a MOE microfluidic chip connected to an electrical supply.
The chip contains poly-L-lysine-coated culture regions connected with inlet and outlet ports, along with mounted Ag/AgCl electrodes for electrical connections.
Place the microfluidic chip on a heater for optimal growth conditions.
Flow-in neural stem and progenitor cells or NPCs into the coated culture regions via the outlets.
The cells electrostatically interact with the poly-L-lysine and adhere to the microfluidic device.
Next, introduce a growth medium containing growth factors that facilitate the proliferation of the adhered cells.
Apply an electric current via the Ag/AgCl electrodes for a longer duration with continuous supply of medium for cell viability.
The electrical current excites and activates NPCs, promoting the extension of neuronal processes from the cell bodies.
Additionally, electrical stimulation triggers various intracellular signaling pathways.
These pathways promote NPCs to differentiate specifically into various neural cells, such as neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes.
