Sample and substrate preparation for exploring living neurons in culture with quantitative-phase imaging

To illustrate how QP-DHM can reveal the dynamics of specific cellular processes, we show how the monitoring of transmembrane water movements can be used to resolve the neuronal network dynamics at single-cell level. This is possible because QPS can measure the activity of electroneutral cotransports, including NKCC1 and KCC2, during a neuronal firing mediated by glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Finally, we added a supplemental section, with more technical details, for readers who are interested in troubleshooting live-cell QP-DHM.