Another approach to control growth and connectivity neuronal processes is compartmentalized culture systems [3]. The Campenot method used a three-compartment Teflon chamber to isolate axons from the cell bodies of peripheral neurons (Figure 1A). Axons were stimulated to grow through the sealing silicon grease layer by placing nerve growth factor (NGF) to the peripheral chambers. Since the Campenot chamber does not work well for growing central neurons, the principle of compartmentalization has been further developed and is now exceedingly utilized with a number of different materials and device geometries to provide a large number of applications to study fundamental neurobiological questions with many types of neurons (Figure 1). Compartmentalized culture systems also provide fluidic isolation that has additional benefits for chemical and genetic manipulation of neurons. This rapidly expanding field of bioengineering offers a wide array of micro-scale devices for fine control of the cellular microenvironment, growth and connectivity of neurons and their interaction with other cells of the nervous system. Here, we provide a brief introductory review of materials and techniques for manufacturing microfluidic chips and agarose microstructures, and how these microtechnologies are changing the way axonal development, connectivity, functionality and injury can be studied in the laboratory.
