Issue 14, 2009
From the journal:

Lab on a Chip

Three-dimensional micro-electrode array for recording dissociated neuronal cultures

Katherine Musick,*ab   David Khatamiab  and  Bruce C. Wheeler†abc  

* Corresponding authors

a Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois, 1406 W. Green St., Urbana, IL, USA
E-mail: kmusick@illinois.edu
Fax: +1 217 244 7075
Tel: +1 217 333 2300

b Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, 405 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL, USA
Fax: +1 217 333 2922
Tel: +1 217 244 1176

c Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, 1304 W. Springfield Ave., Urbana, IL, USA
Fax: +1 217 265 0246
Tel: +1 217 333 1867

Abstract

This work demonstrates the design, fabrication, packaging, characterization, and functionality of an electrically and fluidically active three-dimensional micro-electrode array (3D MEA) for use with neuronal cell cultures. The successful function of the device implies that this basic concept—construction of a 3D array with a layered approach—can be utilized as the basis for a new family of neural electrode arrays. The 3D MEA prototype consists of a stack of individually patterned thin films that form a cell chamber conducive to maintaining and recording the electrical activity of a long-term three-dimensional network of rat cortical neurons. Silicon electrode layers contain a polymer grid for neural branching, growth, and network formation. Along the walls of these electrode layers lie exposed gold electrodes which permit recording and stimulation of the neuronal electrical activity. Silicone elastomer micro-fluidic layers provide a means for loading dissociated neurons into the structure and serve as the artificial vasculature for nutrient supply and aeration. The fluidic layers also serve as insulation for the micro-electrodes. Cells have been shown to survive in the 3D MEA for up to 28 days, with spontaneous and evoked electrical recordings performed in that time. The micro-fluidic capability was demonstrated by flowing in the drug tetrotodoxin to influence the activity of the culture.

Graphical abstract: Three-dimensional micro-electrode array for recording dissociated neuronal cultures

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Article information

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1039/B820596E
Article type
Paper
Submitted
19 Nov 2008
Accepted
25 Mar 2009
First published
08 Apr 2009

Lab Chip, 2009,9, 2036-2042

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Three-dimensional micro-electrode array for recording dissociated neuronal cultures

K. Musick, D. Khatami and B. C. Wheeler, Lab Chip, 2009, 9, 2036 DOI: 10.1039/B820596E

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