Microelectrode chip for efficient differentiation of neural stem cells and method for differentiating functional nerve cells using same

A method for differentiating neural stem cells into nerve cells using the microelectrode chip, the method comprising:

• a microelectrode chip preparation step for preparing a microelectrode chip including a substrate containing a microelectrode and an electrode pad, a first cell culture channel arranged on the substrate, a second cell culture channel spaced apart in a parallel direction to the first cell culture channel, and a third cell culture channel positioned between the first cell culture channel and the second cell culture channel,
• wherein the first cell culture channel includes at least one first bridge channel that extends toward the third cell culture channel from a side adjacent to the third cell culture channel, and the second cell culture channel includes at least one bridge channel that extend toward the third cell culture channel from a side adjacent to the third cell channel;
• a loading step for loading neural stem cells into the first cell culture channel and the second cell culture channel;
• and
• a differentiation step of differentiating the neural stem cells cultured in a medium containing a neurotrophic factor by applying electric stimulation to the microelectrode chip.

A method for screening a neural regeneration candidate substance using a microelectrode chip, the method comprising:

• a microelectrode chip preparation step for preparing a microelectrode chip including a substrate containing a microelectrode and an electrode pad, a first cell culture channel arranged on the substrate, a second cell culture channel spaced apart in a parallel direction to the first cell culture channel, and a third cell culture channel positioned between the first cell culture channel and the second cell culture channel,
• wherein the first cell culture channel includes at least one first bridge channel that extends toward the third cell culture channel from a side adjacent to the third cell culture channel, and the second cell culture channel includes at least one bridge channel that extend toward the third cell culture channel from a side adjacent to the third cell channel;
• a loading step for loading neural stem cells into the first cell culture channel and the second cell culture channel;
• a candidate substance contact step for contacting the neural stem cells with a candidate substance;
• a differentiation step of differentiating the neural stem cells cultured in a medium containing a neurotrophic factor by applying electric stimulation to the microelectrode chip;
• and
• a candidate substance verification step for assessing an extent of differentiation from neural stem cells into nerve cells and comparing the differentiation extent between cells contacted with and without the candidate substance.