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MEA Measurements of Neurons
Overview of MEA Measurements
A planar microelectrode array (MEA) has become a popular experimental platform for electrophysiological studies of neural networks for in vitro models. By providing high-quality and customized solutions and services, Creative Biolabs provides tailored neuroscience assay services for neuroscience research.
Different developmental processes like neurogenesis, cellular differentiation, migration, and programmed cell death can be affected by neuronal activity. Therefore, spontaneous electrophysiological activity in neuronal networks of a cell population during development can be used to understand the structural and functional formation of neuronal circuits and their implication in-network plasticity and adaptability. MEAs are widely used tools for recording and stimulating extracellular neuronal activity to solve the problem. The MEA was first introduced in 1972 as a new platform for studying cultured cardiac myocytes. Since this time, a lot of progress has been achieved in the domain.
Working Principles
The MEA enables the detection of spontaneous cellular network activity, which can be utilized to characterize a neuronal culture. The MEA consists of an etched pattern of micron-scale metal electrodes with insulated leads deposited on a glass slide. Neurons are cultured atop the array and adhere to the surface of an MEA and make direct contact with microelectrodes. MEAs record extracellular action potentials from the neuron's active membranes, and microelectrodes can also be used to deliver electrical charges to stimulate neurons. The cell culture surface of an MEA plate is composed of multiple extracellular electrodes per well, allowing the detection of local field potentials displayed as spikes (arising from single action potentials) and burst activity (arising from groups of action potentials) at different positions within a neuronal network.
Fig.1 MEA design. (Soscia, 2017)
Applications of MEA
The MEA technology is a neurophysiological method that provides recordings of spontaneous electrical activity from neuronal cultures in vitro. By this method, proper development of the neuronal activity of a culture can be investigated. Besides, this technology can determine the effects of various neuromodulators on a human neuronal network. Moreover, MEA is one of the most promising tools for several studies of pharmacological and toxicological responses. It provides a functional and neuronal-specific endpoint that has been used mainly to detect acute neurotoxicity.
The primary advantage of the MEA technique is that it is non-destructive. Electrical activity can be recorded and stimulated without harming the nearby neurons to track cultures over timescales as long as months. These microelectrodes have active tip dimensions similar in size to neurons because they penetrate the nervous system and provide selective access to these cells (within a few microns). In summary, MEAs are used for various purposes, including neurophysiology, neurotoxicology, and pharmacological studies in dissociated neuronal networks, fundamental research aiming at better understanding the functioning of neuronal networks, drug screening, and neural prostheses studies.
Services at Creative Biolabs
The electrophysiological characteristics of neural networks have long been studied to unravel the function of the brain and the underlying mechanisms of the brain, such as synaptic plasticity. The studies have been applied to various fields of neural engineering, including neural prostheses and neurological disorder treatments. MEA is a versatile neural interface platform for in vitro neural tissues, which provides neural recording, electrical stimulation, and chemical stimulation, contributing to the progress of network neuroscience. Creative Biolabs has been long-term devoted to the basic neuroscience assay aimed at developing an in vitro central nervous system (CNS) model, often contain integrated sensing capabilities, such as MEAs, to measure the electrophysiology of neurons. Our team of scientists will work with you to tailor timely, high-quality services based on your specific needs.
Creative Biolabs offers a custom MEA service for your scientific research. Please feel free to contact us for more information. We look forward to discussing your inquiry and finding the best solution for your needs.
- Our MEA systems consist of a grid of microelectrodes that can be used to detect the extracellular electrical activity of neurons. These electrodes are typically made of materials such as platinum or titanium, and are coated with a layer of insulating material to ensure accurate measurements.
- Our MEA systems are designed to be easy to use, with software that allows for the visualization and analysis of neuronal activity in real time. Researchers can choose from a variety of electrode configurations, such as high-density arrays for capturing detailed information from individual neurons, or low-density arrays for studying larger networks of neurons.
- In addition to providing the hardware and software needed for MEA measurements, we also offer training and support to help researchers get the most out of their experiments. Our team of experts can provide guidance on experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting, ensuring that researchers can achieve reliable and reproducible results.
MEA measurements of neurons offer a powerful tool for studying the complex interactions of neuronal networks. We also offer other related services, including but not limited to:
| Services | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Neurotoxicity Screening | Based on our extensive experience in stem cell and genome editing technologies, we can provide new neurotoxicity screening services for CNS drug discovery. For your specific needs, we can also customize the program. |
| Neuronal Activity Monitor | Neuronal activity monitoring service is one of the proven services provided by our platform. We are able to provide novel tools for imaging and recording neuronal activity in animals to capture neural activity. |
| STEMOD™ Advanced Drug Discovery | We develop integrated technology platforms to provide one-stop CNS drug discovery services, including studies on BBB transport and distribution in the brain. |
Published Data
Optically transparent MEA has received much attention in recent years as a means of combining electrophysiology and optical imaging. Sagnik Middya, et al. reported transparent MEA that was shown to record action potentials from cortical neurons in vitro and to support optical imaging of intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. Most importantly, laser irradiation through the electrodes does not result in light-induced artifacts or additional recording noise, and a variety of fluorescently labeled molecular targets of different sizes can be imaged by MEA on an inverted microscope setup.
They validated the MEAs in vitro using primary cortical cell cultures. The transparent MEAs are compatible with both high SNR electrophysiological recordings and advanced microscopy techniques. They are patterned using conventional lithography, ensuring a scalable process that can provide a valuable tool for large-scale neuroscience.
Fig. 2 MEAs were subsequently validated in vitro.2
Applications of MEA Measurements of Neurons
- CNS Disease modeling - MEA measurements can be used to create disease models by studying the changes in neuronal activity associated with various neurological disorders.
- Neurotoxicity testing - MEA measurements can be used to assess the toxicity of chemicals and environmental factors on neuronal networks.
- Drug discovery and screening - MEA measurements can be used to study how different compounds affect neuronal activity.
- Studying synaptic connections - MEA measurements can be used to investigate the formation and plasticity of synaptic connections between neurons.
MEA measurements of neurons offer a powerful tool for biotechnology companies to advance our understanding of the brain and develop new therapies and technologies for neurological disorders.
FAQs
Q: What types of neurons can be measured using MEA technology?
A: MEA technology can measure a wide range of neurons, including primary neurons, stem cell-derived neurons, and immortalized cell lines. This allows researchers to study various cell types and model different aspects of neuronal function in a controlled environment.
Q: What types of neuronal data can be obtained using MEA technology?
A: MEA technology can provide several types of neuronal data, including action potentials (spikes), local field potentials (LFPs), and network activity patterns. These measurements allow researchers to analyze the firing rates, bursting behavior, synchronization, and connectivity of neurons. Additionally, MEA data can be used to study the effects of pharmacological agents, disease models, and genetic modifications on neuronal activity and network dynamics.
Q: How long can neurons be cultured on MEAs? Can MEA measurements be used to study long-term changes in neuronal activity?
A: Neurons can be cultured on MEAs for extended periods, ranging from days to several weeks, depending on the experimental requirements. So MEA measurements can be used to study long-term changes in neuronal activity, such as plasticity, adaptation, and the effects of chronic drug exposure. Data quality can be maintained with proper care of the cultures and regular monitoring. MEA technology supports continuous or periodic recordings, enabling researchers to track changes in neuronal activity over time.
Q: How does the cost of MEA measurements compare to other neuroscience research techniques?
A: The cost of MEA measurements can vary depending on the specific experiment and the number of samples. However, in general, MEA measurements offer a cost-effective way to study neuronal activity in a high-throughput manner compared to traditional electrophysiology techniques.
Scientific Resources
References
- Soscia, D.; et al. Controlled placement of multiple CNS cell populations to create complex neuronal cultures. PLoS One. 2017, 12(11), e0188146.
- Middya, Sagnik, et al. "Microelectrode arrays for simultaneous electrophysiology and advanced optical microscopy." Advanced Science 8.13 (2021): 2004434.
For Research Use Only. Not For Clinical Use.