Large-Area Field Potential Imaging Having Single Neuron Resolution Using 236 880 Electrodes CMOS-MEA Technology

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Electrophysiology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Electrophysiological technologies offer high spatiotemporal resolution for neuronal function insights.
• Noninvasive measurements across large areas are crucial for understanding neural networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a detailed, single-cell-level neural activity analysis platform using a CMOS-MEA.
• To analyze neural activity in various biological models including brain slices, cortical networks, peripheral neurons, and brain organoids.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-microelectrode array (MEA) with 236,880 electrodes.
• Each electrode measured 11.22 × 11.22 µm, covering a 5.5 × 5.9 mm area for comprehensive neural recording.
• Extracted propagation patterns, firing patterns, axonal conduction, and network activities.

Main Results:

• Characterized synaptic propagation changes and classified single DRG neuron firing patterns.
• Analyzed axonal conduction changes in response to anticancer drugs.
• Investigated network activities and compound transitions in brain organoids.

Conclusions:

• The CMOS-MEA provides a new platform for understanding basic brain circuit mechanisms in vitro and ex vivo.
• This technology aids in neurological disease research, drug discovery, and compound toxicity assessment.