Neural network models after cultured neural networks

Akio Kawana

The goal of this study is to produce models of small neural networks which can reproduce behavior of cultured neural networks by integrating knowledge obtained from them. To this aim, neurons are cultured on substrates with multi-electrode arrays which make it possible to obtain electrical activity from a large number of neurons in the network simultaneously.

It is very useful to form simplified neural networks using cultured neurons and study on their electrical characteristics, in order to produce model neural networks, " virtual neural networks", which can reproduce behavior of the realistic ones. For this purpose, neurons from pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis are going to be cultured on substrates with multi-electrode arrays and with patterns of cell adhesive materials which can form simplified networks. In order to study the differences of electrical activity pattern between cultured neural networks and real neuronal networks, the activity of neurons in central ring ganglia which include central pattern generator were observed using a needle type multi-electrode array. Periodic oscillation was observed as shown in the figure. It should be of great interest to reproduce such oscillation using simplified cultured neuronal networks in order to produce models of small networks.