Multisite two-photon imaging of neurons on multielectrode arrays

Abstract

We wish to understand how neural systems store, recall, and process information. We are using cultured networks of corticalneurons grown on microelectrode arrays as a model system for studying the emergent properties of ensembles of livingneurons. We have developed a 2-way communication interface between the cultured network and a computer-generatedanimal, the Neurally Controlled Animat. Neural activity is used to control the behavior of the Animat, and 2-photon timelapseimaging is carried out in order to observe the morphological changes that might underlie changes in neural processing.The 2-photon microscope is ideal for repeated imaging over hours or days, with sub-micron resolution and littlephotodamage. We have designed a computer-controlled microscope stage that allows imaging several locations in sequence,in order to collect more image data.