Abstract: The invention pertains generally to the field of drug discovery science. More specifically, the invention refers to a drug screening assay and device that is used to test the effect of specific chemical compounds as use dependent ion channel blockers. The invention includes a unique method for stimulating cells with photoconductive stimulation and reading consequent cell ion channel activity with the optical imaging of fluorescent dyes.

Abstract: The invention pertains generally to the field of psychotropic drug discovery and neuroscience. More specifically, the invention refers to a device that allows the long-term stimulation of cultured neurons grown on a silicon die, thereby replacing the use of intact animal models. The device consists of a controlled sterile environment in which the neuronal cultures can grow, and into which specific candidate compounds (e.g., psychotropic drugs) are added. During the period of growth, which can be extended for months, specifically tailored patterned activity can be applied to the neuronal network, simulating the activity normally found in a brain. The neuronal networks are grown on a silicon surface which is targeted by a light source, which functions to alter the connectivity of the surface below a specific group of cells. Cells on this targeted region are caused to fire on a brief electrical pulse.