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enable a finer resolution of cell localization such as by micro-contact printing and
lithography (Segev
et al
. 2002; Sorkin
et al
. 2006; Wilson
et al.
2007) or by
synthesizing carbon nanotube islands that are both cell adhesive and conductive
so signals can be recorded (Gabay
et al
. 2005; Gabay
et al
. 2007).
Another important factor in determining the network's morphology is the cell
density. In Segev
et al.
(2003) it was shown that networks with different number
of cell per unit area show a transition from uniform spreading of the cells to a
clustered network where neurons join together into dense ensembles. In Fig. 12.2
we show an example of clustered networks, in which grouping of cells are clearly
Fig. 12.2. Inverted microscope images of cultures that exhibited dense clusters of cells. The
cultures grow clear extensions of interconnecting neurite bundles. In the bottom images are cases of
"holes" in the culture. Note that in all of the images the extensions are completely straight, with no
curves, due to the tension forces working on both ends of each bundle.