  Neuronal networks in dissociated culture combined with cell engineering
technology offer a pivotal platform to constructively explore the relationship
between structure and function in living neuronal networks. Here, we fabricated
defined neuronal networks possessing a modular architecture on high-density
microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs), a state-of-the-art electrophysiological tool
for recording neural activity with high spatial and temporal resolutions. We
first established a surface coating protocol using a cell-permissive hydrogel
to stably attach polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic film on the HD-MEA. We then
recorded the spontaneous neural activity of the engineered neuronal network,
which revealed an important portrait of the engineered neuronal
network--modular architecture enhances functional complexity by reducing the
excessive neural correlation between spatially segregated modules. The results
of this study highlight the impact of HD-MEA recordings combined with cell
engineering technologies as a novel tool in neuroscience to constructively
assess the structure-function relationships in neuronal networks.
