Optogenetic neural spheroids excite primary neural network

Abstract Objective. Optical stimulation of in vitro neurons requires prior transfection with light gated ion channels. This additional step brings complexity and requires optimization. Simplification of the process will ease the undertaking of studies on biological neural networks needing external stimulation. Approach. We constructed a simple platform where embryonic stem cell (ESC) derived optogenetic neural spheroids, cultured and maintained separately, can be seeded on top of the primary non-optogenetic neuron cultures. Main results. We found that the primary neural network can be stimulated through the spheroids. This allows making investigations like network response dynamics and pharmacological perturbations possible. Significance. Thus, our platform provides an on-demand method to stimulate neural preparations for many different studies.