Neuromodulation in neural organoids with shell MEAs

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Neural organoids (NOs) are crucial for brain research and biocomputing.
• Monitoring NO electrical activity is key for understanding brain function and biocomputing paradigms.
• Existing 2D microelectrode arrays (MEAs) limit the study of 3D neuromodulation in NOs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a novel 3D neuromodulation and recording technique for neural organoids.
• To investigate the relationship between electrical stimulation and neural activity in 3D.
• To enable spatiotemporal mapping of neuromodulatory effects on NOs.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication and application of 3D "shell MEAs" mimicking EEG caps for neural organoids.
• Application of controlled electrical stimulation (20-30 µA) to NOs.
• Recording and analysis of neural firing rates and generation of 3D spatiotemporal activity maps.

Main Results:

• A specific stimulation current range (20-30 µA) significantly increased neuron firing rates in NOs.
• Neuromodulatory effects were observed using both 3- and 16-electrode shell MEAs.
• Successful generation of 3D spatiotemporal maps detailing neuromodulatory activity on the NO surface.

Conclusions:

• The 3D shell MEA technology provides a novel method for investigating spatiotemporal neuromodulation in neural organoids.
• This approach is relevant for advancing biomedical engineering and biocomputing research.
• The study establishes a foundation for more sophisticated brain organoid functionality studies.