Monica Frega - Böcker

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the incredible advances achieved in the study of in vitro neuronal networks for use in basic and applied research. These cultures of dissociated neurons offer a perfect trade-off between complex experimental models and theoretical modeling approaches giving new opportunities for experimental design but also providing new challenges in data management and interpretation. Topics include culturing methodologies, neuroengineering techniques, stem cell derived neuronal networks, techniques for measuring network activity, and recent improvements in large-scale data analysis. The book ends with a series of case studies examining potential applications of these technologies.

The bookpresents a new, powerful model of neuronal networks, consisting of athree-dimensional neuronal culture in which 3D neuronal networks are coupled tomicro-electrode-arrays (MEAs). It discusses the main advantages of thethree-dimensional system compared to its two-dimensional counterpart, and showsthat the network dynamics, recorded during both spontaneous and stimulatedactivity, differs between the two models, with the 3D system being better ableto emulate the in vivo behaviour of neural networks. The book offers anextensive analysis of the system, from the theoretical background, to itsdesign and applications in neuro-pharmacological studies. Moreover, itincludes a concise yet comprehensive introduction to both 2D and 3D neuronalnetworks coupled to MEAs, and discusses the advantages, limitations andchallenges of their applications as cellular and tissue-like in vitro experimental model systems.