Device and Method Using Integrated Neuronal Cells and an Electronic Device

Abstract

The present invention provides a device of integrated neuronal cells interfaced with an electronic device and a method of producing the same.

1 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A composition comprising a first isolated neuronal cell and a second isolated neuronal cell,
 wherein the first isolated neuronal cell is integrated to the second isolated neuronal cell via elongated axons stretched to greater than 1 cm in length by stretching the axons at a slow stretch rate of about 1 mm/day followed by stretching the axons at a higher stretch rate of at least 2 mm/day to obtain axons elongated to greater than 1 cm in length, and   wherein the first isolated neuronal cell is interfaced with an electronic device.   
     
     
         29 . The composition of  claim 28 , wherein said axons are elongated for about 3 days at the slow stretch rate. 
     
     
         30 . The composition of  claim 28 , wherein said higher stretch rate is about 6 mm/day. 
     
     
         31 . The composition of  claim 28 , wherein said axons are elongated at the higher stretch rate until the axons are greater than 1 cm in length. 
     
     
         32 . The composition of  claim 28 , wherein said axons are greater than 3 cm in length. 
     
     
         33 . The composition of  claim 28 , wherein the neuronal cells transmit an electrical signal to the electronic device. 
     
     
         34 . The composition of  claim 28 , wherein the neuronal cells receive an electronic signal from the electronic device. 
     
     
         35 . The composition of  claim 28 , wherein the integrated neuronal cells comprise fascicular axon tracts. 
     
     
         36 . The composition of  claim 28 , wherein the axons are stretched using a microstepper motor system. 
     
     
         37 . The composition of  claim 28 , wherein the isolated neuronal cells are attached to an implantable membrane. 
     
     
         38 . The composition of  claim 28 , wherein the electronic device is a multi-electrode array. 
     
     
         39 . A composition comprising a first isolated neuronal cell and a second isolated neuronal cell,
 wherein the first isolated neuronal cell is integrated to the second isolated neuronal cell via elongated axons stretched to greater than 1 cm in length by stretching the axons at a slow stretch rate of about 1 mm/day for about 3 days followed by stretching the axons at a higher stretch rate of about 6 mm/day for a period of time sufficient to obtain axons elongated to greater than 1 cm in length, and   wherein the first isolated neuronal cell is interfaced with an electronic device.