Fabrication of 60 channel microelectrode arrays for future use with cultured neuronal networks

Abstract

Stimulation and recording of nerve cells is a procedure used for several applications, such as clinical therapies, study of basic neuroscience, and neural prostheses. Microtechnology and advances in material science have allowed to produce more sophisticated devices and with more functions. This paper focuses on the fabrication of planar 60-channel MEAs. The electrical characterization of the noise level from the TiN electrodes showed good sensitivity to noise, compatible with commercial systems. These electrodes received an artificial electrocardiogram signal (ECG) from a function generator and registered the same input signal but with lower amplitude. Finally, both cyclic voltammetry curves of the produced MEA and the commercial MEA exhibited similar shape, but the amplitude of the first one was significantly higher than in MCS-MEA, with an order difference of magnitude

Optimization of makerspace microfabrication techniques and materials for the realization of planar, 3D printed microelectrode arrays in under four days

“…One can use an inverted microscope (transmitted light) to study a sample from the bottom side of a glass MEA. 1 Another benet of glass is that it is an insulator, so any conduction is mainly in the traces leading to a less noisy signal with better Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). Since MEA are used with living cells in culture for several weeks and in some assays months, the biocompatible properties 10,11 of glass additionally make it a good substrate material to fabricate MEAs.…”