N³-MEA Probes: Scooping Neuronal Networks.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Electrophysiological recordings are crucial for understanding tissue function.
• Existing multi-electrode array (MEA) probes often lack versatility and flexibility.
• There is a need for advanced probes capable of high-fidelity signal acquisition across various tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel line of versatile, flexible, and multifunctional MEA probes, termed Nano Neuro Net (N³)-MEAs.
• To demonstrate the operational principle and recording capabilities of these new probes.
• To evaluate the performance of N³-MEAs in terms of signal quality, stability, and ease of use.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of N³-MEAs with careful consideration of materials, dimensions, and upgrade potential.
• Recording of extracellular signals, including action potentials and local field potentials.
• Application of N³-MEAs to cardiac and retinal tissues for functional assessment.

Main Results:

• Successful recording of action potentials from cardiac cells with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) up to 13.2.
• Acquisition of spontaneous activity from retinal ganglion cells with a SNR up to 12.8.
• Demonstrated recording of local field potentials with ERG-like waveforms and light-evoked spiking responses in retinal tissue.

Conclusions:

• N³-MEAs offer a versatile, flexible, and multifunctional platform for electrophysiological recordings.
• The probes provide high signal-to-noise ratios and exhibit mechanical and chemical stability.
• N³-MEAs represent a significant advancement for high-quality recordings from various electrogenic tissues.