Micropatterning of bioactive ligands for high-throughput study neuronal network functions

Synapses are essential components for signal processing and transmission in the nervous system, whose function is affected in many brain diseases and disorders. We demonstrated the successful control of synapse formation by micropatterning of synaptogenic protein, neuroligin (NL). Interestingly, the presence of a hydrophobic GPI moiety, promoted NL's biological activity. Also, the micropatterns of synaptogenic factors were included in a neurite growth/guidance platform, which could directly be used as a high-throughput platform for study different aspects in the development and dynamics of neuronal network.