Microfluidics for neuronal imaging

Abstract

In neurobiology studies, the use of well-controllable microenvironments that can actively interact with biological samples is becoming increasingly popular. Microfluidic systems due to their precise micron-size dimensions are becoming the gold standard for manipulating small-model organisms in vivo, such as the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster as well as for assembling and interacting with neuronal cell cultures in vitro. The reproducible microenvironment, the automation of time-consuming protocols, and the low manufacturing cost of microfluidic chips offer unique experimental capabilities and a large amount of high-quality data to the neurobiologist over traditional methods. This chapter highlights a certain aspect of microfluidic technology that facilitates the study of neuronal physiology and function through imaging.