A Robust Microfabrication Process for Microfluidic Devices with High Resolution and Aspect Ratio Features for Neural Circuitry Modeling

Neural circuit study is important to help understand brain functions and causes of neurological disorders. Current compartmentalized microfluidic devices for in vitro neural circuit modeling are typically implemented in planar two-dimensional configurations by molding polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This paper presents, for the first time, a robust microfabrication process for compartmentalized microfluidic devices made of molded cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) with high resolution and high aspect ratio features for neuron culturing and circuit modeling. The process also enables vertical, three-dimensional configurations of high aspect ratio microfluidic components. A channel size of <; 10 μm and an aspect ratio of >20:1 have been achieved with the process with high consistency and repeatability. Fully assembled devices were successfully used for neuron culturing with confirmed neurite growth into the microchannels in preliminary experiments.