A Micropatterned Multielectrode Shell for 3D Spatiotemporal Recording from Live Cells

Area of Science:

• Bioelectronics
• Cellular Electrophysiology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Microelectrode arrays (MEAs) are crucial for studying electrically active cells like neurons and cardiomyocytes.
• Current MEAs primarily use 2D planar electrodes, limiting cell-electrode interface quality.
• There is a need for advanced recording devices with improved spatiotemporal resolution and signal fidelity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel 3D microelectrode arrays using self-folding technology.
• To create individually addressable electrode interfaces that conform to cell morphology.
• To enhance signal-to-noise ratios for cellular electrophysiological recordings.

Main Methods:

• Utilized residual stress-based self-folding to fabricate 3D multielectrode interfaces.
• Designed optically transparent devices for simultaneous fluorescence imaging.
• Assessed cell viability and chemical diffusion with the self-folding electrodes.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated 3D spatiotemporal recording capabilities with the self-folding MEAs.
• Achieved significantly higher signal-to-noise ratios for cardiomyocyte action potentials compared to planar electrodes.
• Confirmed cell viability and unimpeded chemical exchange during and after electrode wrapping.

Conclusions:

• The self-folding 3D MEAs offer a new paradigm for dynamic cell-electrode interfacing.
• This technology provides a foundation for next-generation MEAs with superior recording performance.
• The devices enable high-fidelity electrophysiological recordings and simultaneous optical imaging.