Microfluidic Synaptic Plasticity Model Development
Microfluidic models of synaptic plasticity enable the manipulation and examination of factors relevant to long-term potentiation (LTP), long-term depression (LTD), and plasticity-related deficits associated with specific diseases. Protheragen is an industry leader in emerging microfluidic model developments with focus on molecular synaptic plasticity mechanism research in connection to rare neurological disorders.
Overview of Microfluidic Synaptic Plasticity Models
Synaptic plasticity means the change of synaptic strength depending on the activity and is a basic cellular mechanism for learning, memory, and adaptation of neural circuits. The disorders resulting from the plasticity of synapses being misregulated like in Rett syndrome or SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability or GRIN disorder are all rare forms of neurological disorders. Microfluidic synaptic plasticity models represent a major technological advance in neuroscience research, enabling precise study of activity-dependent synaptic changes under controlled microenvironmental conditions.
Fig.2 Fibrous dysplasia pathology mechanism.
(Kim, H. Y., et al., 2023)
Advantages of Microfluidic Synaptic Plasticity Models
Traditional in vitro models cannot reproduce the spatiotemporal complexity of synaptic plasticity because they cannot maintain long-term neuronal networks, control precise microenvironments, or monitor real-time synaptic changes. Microfluidic synaptic plasticity models offer a range of advantages.
| Models | Traditional In Vitro Models | Microfluidic Synaptic Plasticity Models |
| Spatial Control | Random neuronal networks | Compartmentalized pre-/post-synaptic domains |
| Temporal Resolution | Endpoint measurements | Real-time monitoring (ms-scale electrophysiology) |
| Microenvironment | Static media conditions | Controlled perfusion (neurotransmitter gradients) |
| Synaptic Connectivity | Uncontrolled synaptogenesis | Directed axon growth (microgrooves/tunnels) |
| Physiological Relevance | Limited maturation | Long-term cultures (>30 days) |
| Disease Modeling | Generic phenotypes | Patient iPSC-derived neurons + gene editing |
| Throughput | Low-throughput manual assays | High-content screening (96-well compatible) |
| Multimodal Integration | Separate readouts | Combined electrophysiology/imaging/omics |
| Shear Stress | Absent | Physiological flow (0.5-2 µL/min) |
Our Services
Specializing in the creation of exceptional microfluidic models of synaptic plasticity, Protheragen focuses on fostering the therapeutic development of rare neurological diseases. These models are refined enough for detailed inquiry into the processes of long-term potentiation (LTP), long-term depression (LTD), and disease-specific plasticity impairment. Such models provide accurate information crucial for drug development, validation of defined mechanisms, and custom-tailored medical intervention strategies.
Workflow of Microfluidic Synaptic Plasticity Model Development
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Experimental Design
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Cell Seeding & Culture
Functional & Structural Analysis
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Microfluidic Device Fabrication
Synaptic Plasticity Induction
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Data Processing & Validation
Types of Microfluidic Synaptic Plasticity Models
- Dendritic Spine Plasticity Chips: Microengineered platforms with subcellular resolution for real-time visualization and quantification of activity-dependent spine morphological changes.
- 3D Synaptic Network Models: Physiologically relevant human iPSC-derived neural networks in ECM hydrogels that recapitulate functional synaptic connectivity and circuit-level plasticity.
- Disease-Specific Synaptic Plasticity Models: Patient-derived or gene-edited neuronal systems modeling genetic mutation-specific plasticity impairments.
With microfluidic synaptic plasticity models that adhere to ethical and regulatory standards, Protheragen delivers comprehensive preclinical research services encompassing pharmacodynamics (PD), pharmacokinetic (PK), and toxicology studies. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details and quotation information of related services.
Reference
- Andrade-Talavera Y, Rodríguez-Moreno A. Synaptic plasticity and oscillations in Alzheimer's disease: a complex picture of a multifaceted disease[J]. Frontiers in molecular neuroscience, 2021, 14: 696476.