This μLP chamber allows spatial and temporal control over neuronal microenvironments. By having multiple perfusion streams fuse into a single perfusion channel, the μLP chambers not only improve the spatial resolution of stimulation but also create thin fluidic barriers which enable the creation of isolated fluidic environments to presynaptic neurons, postsynaptic neurons, and synaptic regions simultaneously. These multiple fluid streams also allow temporal control over duration and frequency of stimulation (Chronis et al., 2007; Unger et al., 2000). Microfluidic technology has the potential to facilitate numerous investigations of synaptic formation, function, and plasticity. Future work will undoubtedly incorporate other microscale components, such as patterned microelectrodes, to create additional tools to study neurons and synapses of the CNS.
