To study the brain and the related neuronal network activity, many attempts were made to design and develop platforms able to induce and record neuronal signals. However, many brain processes - like memory formation and storage - and diseases - like amnesia or epilepsy - need more basic studies. For these, a bottom-up approach is needed, starting from 2D in-vitro neuronal cultures. In this work, we will present two experimental systems able to optogenetically interact with 2D neuronal networks with patternized light. One system consists in a Digital Light Projector (DLP) integrated in a microscope setup, which can illuminate neurons from the top; the other, is a compact and transportable photonic chip, properly designed to illuminate neurons plated on its surface.
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