Silicon-based microelectrode arrays for stimulation and signal recording of in vitro cultured neurons

Abstract

Microelectrode arrays (MEAs) for stimulation and signal recording of in vitro cultured neurons are presented. Each MEA is composed of 60 independent electrodes with 59 working ones and one reference one. These electrodes are divided into 30 pairs. Through each pair of electrodes, four independent states can be realized to define the accessing modes of neurons cultured on the surface of the electrodes. A total MEA covers an area of 10 mm×10 mm. MEAs are fabricated in a silicon-based semiconductor process. An implemented MEA is bonded on a specially designed printed-circuit-board (PCB) and surrounded by a culture chamber. An impedance measurement has been made to verify the electrical characteristics of MEAs. The surface was modified to enhance the biocompatibility. A series of PC12 cells culture experiments validates the effectiveness of the modification. An extracellular signal recording experiment with acetylcholine (Ach) as a stimulant has been carried out, and the results show the feasibility of MEAs for extracellular action potential recording. Extracellular electrical stimulation and recording experiments have been carried out too. They indicate that MEAs can be used for extracellular stimulation, recording, simultaneous stimulation and recording, and isolation of PC12 cells network cultured in vitro.Keywords microelectrode arrays (MEAs), extracellular recording, stimulation and recording, neurons network, in vitro CitationPan H X, LÜ X Y, Wang Z G, et al. Silicon-based microelectrode arrays for stimulation and signal recording of in vitro cultured neurons.

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

“…Conventionally, MEAs were fabricated from materials such as glass, 10-12 silicon, 13,14 and polymers. [15][16][17] Glass MEAs are of particular interest for their benecial characteristics such as biocompatibility, planarity and transparency.…”

PC-12 Cell Line as a Neuronal Cell Model for Biosensing Applications

“…Microelectrode arrays, composed of 60 independent electrodes, for stimulation and signal recording of in vitro cultured neurons were coupled with impedance measurements [ 85 , 86 ]. The extracellular signal recording in the presence of acetylcholine and other stimulants has been carried out and the results indicate that microelectrodes array systems can be used for extracellular stimulation, recording, simultaneous stimulation and recording, and isolation of PC12 cells network cultured in vitro [ 85 , 87 ].…”

Study on influence of external factors on the electrical excitability of PC12 quasi-neuronal networks through Voltage Threshold Measurement Method

“…In 1972, Charles A. Thomas Jr. invented microelectrode array (MEA), which could be used to measure the electrical activities of neuronal networks cultured on its surface and implemented patch clamp's limitation that the electrophysiological characteristics of only one single neuron could be tested each time [1]. After half a century, scientists have developed multiple types of MEAs and established neuron culturing techniques on MEA to investigate neuronal networks' electrophysiological characteristics, such as spontaneous and triggered action potentials [2][3][4][5]. While limited by the traditional data analysis methods, most of the MEA experiments required long recording time and complicated statistical computation.…”