Fabrication and Characterization of 3d Printed, 3d Microelectrode Arrays With Spin Coated Insulation and Functional Electrospun 3d Scaffolds for "Disease in a Dish" and "Organ on a Chip" Models

Abstract

We demonstrate a new fabrication technology for 3D Microelectrode Arrays (MEAs) to stimulate and record electrophysiological activity from cellular networks in-vitro. Electrospun Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) 3D scaffolds are coupled to the fabricated MEAs which make them fully functional for "disease in a dish" and "organ on a chip" models to promote cell/tissue growth and regeneration. The microfabrication technology involves 3D towers realized by 3D printing and a metallization layer, defined by stencil mask evaporation techniques. Multiple insulation strategies are reported: a drop-casted/spincoated 3D layer of Polystyrene (PS) and an evaporated layer of SiO2, both of which are laser micromachined to realize the 3D microelectrodes.