2.6 Functionalization & cell seeding
To ensure the correct attachment of the neurons to the chip, the culturing surface is functionalized with a mix of Concanavalin-A (Sigma Aldrich) and poly-D-lysine (0,016 mg/L) (Sigma Aldrich) in a final solution of 70 μL. The functionalization mixture is pipetted into the chip through the inlet hole, and it is maintained at 37°C for 2 hours. After functionalization, the chip is washed 3 times with distilled water and sterilized for 30 minutes under UV light.
Finally, the suspension of disaggregated neuron somas is pipetted into the chip through the inlet hole. After this cell deposition, the chip is left for 2 hours before connecting the microfluidic chip to the microfluidic platform.