Abstract

Nervous Systems-on-a-Chip: From Technology to Applied Biomedical Sciences

Regina Luttge, Professor, Eindhoven University of Technology

Challenges in eavesdropping on the complex cell signaling of the human central nervous system is an essential driver for the development of advanced in vitro technologies, called Brain-on-a-Chip. Developments in Brain-on-a-Chip technology focus primarily on the implementation of cortical cells from human stem cell source in a 3D cultured microenvironment. The aim of a recently launched EU project CONNECT is to mimic the in vivo functions of the nervous system in one connected chip system. The creation of new neurodegenerative disease models in this project brings together the knowledge accumulated among neuroscientists, stem cell experts and engineers to investigate the origins and possible treatments for Parkinson's disease. In this presentation, we will discuss in detail the technical approach of a nervous system on a chip as a unique tool for modelling the neural pathway of connected tissues on the brain-gut axis. In addition to design criteria for these microliter-sized physiological cell culture systems, the presentation will focus on guidance of the growth process of axon protrusions and the local control of cell differentiation processes while maintaining physiological conditions.