The concept of the cultured neuron probe was induced by the possible selective stimulation of nerves for functional recovery after a neural lesion or disease. The probe consists of a micro-electrode array on top of which groups of neuronal cells are cultured. An efficient method to position groups of neuronal cells on top of the stimulation sites of the micro-electrode array is developed. With negative dielectrophoretic forces, produced by non-uniform electric fields on polarizable particles, neuronal cells are trapped. Experimental results and model simulations describe the trapping process and its effect on neuronal cell viability. 

1 Introduction

1.1 Neuro-Electronic Interfacing
1.2 Culturing Neuronal Cells
1.3 Positioning and Culturing Neuronal Cells on a Microelectrode Array
1.4 Dielectrophoresis
1.5 Scope of This Review
2 Dielectrophoretic Trapping of Neuronal Cells
2.1 Theory
2.2 Materials
2.3 Theoretical Description of Dielectrophoretic Trapping
2.4 Experimental Description of Dielectrophoretic Trapping
3 Exposing Neuronal Cells to Electric Fields
3.1 Theory
3.2 Theoretical Investigation of Induced Membrane Potentials of Neuronal Cells
3.3 Experimental Investigation of Neuronal Membrane Breakdown
4 Investigating Viability of Dielectrophoretically Trapped Neuronal Cells
4.1 Viability of Neuronal Cells Trapped at a High Frequency
4.2 Viability of Neuronal Cells Trapped at Low Frequencies
4.3 Recording Neuronal Activity
5 Summary
References.