Neuroblastoma cells growing on patterned surfaces permit cells that are adhered to electrodes to extend their axons and dendrites to form a well-defined neural array. The cells can be triggered to spontaneously generate electrical impulses. Interference with these impulses is used to detect a wide variety of hazardous chemicals and toxins. Arrays of antigens or antibodies patterned on surfaces permit simultaneous analysis for multiple analytes. The arrays can be addressed using either optical or electrochemical devices.
Cells demonstrate selective adhesion to selected areas of the patterns.
Structural and functional interactions of neural and endothelial cells may then be studied. Studies include neural processing networks and neuroelectrophysiology. Slective endothelial cell adhesion and differentiation have resulted in the ability to direct the formation of precapillary structures. Artificial red cells have been developed as a resuscitative fluid using encapsulated hemoglobin.