Frequency-dependent signal transfer at the interface between electrogenic cells and nanocavity electrodes

Abstract

We present a model to describe the response of chip-based nanocavity sensors during extracellular recording of action potentials. These sensors feature microelectrodes which are embedded in liquid-filled cavities. They can be used for the highly localized detection of electrical signals on a chip. We calculate the sensor's impedance and simulate the propagation of action potentials. Subsequently we apply our findings to analyze cell-chip coupling properties. The results are compared to experimental data obtained from cardiomyocyte-like cells. We show that both the impedance and the modeled action potentials fit the experimental data well. Furthermore, we find evidence for a large seal resistance of cardiomyocytes on nanocavity sensors compared to conventional planar recording systems.

Boron‐Doped Nanocrystalline Diamond Microelectrode Arrays Monitor Cardiac Action Potentials

“…High variability from spike to spike on an electrode would suggest that the recording is from an ensemble rather than a single spiking unit. Furthermore, the shape of the APs detected shows that BNCD electrodes often detect a sharp prepeak before the AP (Figure 3), a form associated with high seal resistance between the cell and electrode according to mathematical models 32…”

Fabrication of MEA‐based nanocavity sensor arrays for extracellular recording of action potentials

“…For example, an estimation of the resistance in a channel section of 20 mm  20 mm  100 nm (L  B  H), filled with phosphate buffered saline (resistivity $0.6 Vm), already yields a value of $6 MV. The full spectra of the nanocavity sensors can be approximated by solving the cable equation with appropriate boundary conditions [3]. For the devices used in this study, we expect to see a limiting influence due to the ohmic drop in the nanocavity starting already below 1 kHz, which is not evident in the data.…”

“…To achieve a high seal resistance as well as low impedance electrodes, several approaches have been investigated including the use of nanopatterns, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), nanoflakes‐ and wires, or nanoporous structures . For example, nanocavity arrays are promising devices for localized on‐chip recordings of electrogenic cells in a network, due to their high spatial resolution and good signal to noise characteristics . They combine a large electrode area – and therefore low electrode impedance – with a small cavity opening and high spatial resolution.…”

“…1 Introduction Improvement of electrode interfaces for the development of bioelectronic devices has gained attention in the last years, especially in terms of functional coupling with electrogenic cell networks on chip [1][2][3][4][5][6][7].…”

Versatile Flexible Graphene Multielectrode Arrays

“…In such an ideal case, all electrodes might have similar coupling. Nonetheless, in most experiments the coupling varies from electrode to electrode [40,42]. Moreover, the position of the electrode completely under a cell or under the border between cells contributes to the variation in spike shape.…”