Microfluidic co-culture system for synaptically segregated neural networks to explore astrocyte-driven neural pathology

Abstract Investigating astrocyte–neuron communication in the absence of neuron-to-neuron signalling is challenging using traditional culture systems due to the complexity of synaptic networks. To address this, we designed a three-compartment microfluidic co-culture device that fluidically isolates two neuronal populations while permitting astrocyte growth throughout. This design enables assessment of astrocyte-specific contributions to neuropathology between synaptically segregated neurons. The