Fig. 3: Network synchronization by creating new neurite connections.

a Phase-contrast image of neuronal networks at 16 DIV. Agarose micropatterns were 300 μm by 300 μm with a spacing of 100 μm. Scale bar: 50 μm. The image shown is representative of four independent experiments. b Neurite outgrowth into the interconnection line over time (d: days after ablation). Scale bar: 30 μm. c Raw traces recorded from four electrodes (Ch1 and Ch2 in N₁, Ch3 and Ch4 in N₂) before and 7 days after agarose ablation. Arrowheads indicate synchronized activities. d Raster plots before and 3, 5, 7 days after ablation. Pink shaded regions indicate synchronized activities within a 100 ms window. Red arrowheads indicate synchronized activities across N₁ and N₂. e Representative correlation matrices before and 3, 5, 7 days after ablation process. f Mean correlation coefficients of four MEAs. Green and blue graphs show inter-CC between networks with one and two-interconnection lines, respectively, and each line represents an individual MEA. An arrowhead indicates the values of the MEA in Fig. 3e. The red graph and shaded region denote the mean and SD values of intra-CC from 4 MEAs, respectively. Source data are provided as a Source Data file.