Revealing neuronal function through microelectrode array recordings

Abstract

Microelectrode arrays and microprobes have been widely utilized to measure neuronal activity, both in vitro and in vivo. The key advantage is the capability to record and stimulate neurons at multiple sites simultaneously. However, unlike the single-cell or single-channel resolution of intracellular recording, microelectrodes detect signals from all possible sources around every sensor. Here, we review the current understanding of microelectrode signals and the techniques for analyzing them. We introduce the ongoing advancements in microelectrode technology, with focus on achieving higher resolution and quality of recordings by means of monolithic integration with on-chip circuitry. We show how recent advanced microelectrode array measurement methods facilitate the understanding of single neurons as well as network function.

State-of-the-art MEMS and microsystem tools for brain research

“…MEAs are usually CMOS devices with relatively simple post-CMOS metallization. Several reviews on in vitro or MEA approaches are available [61][62][63] . However, nanoscale MEMS-based processing is increasingly being developed to achieve intracellular recordings in particular [64][65][66] .…”

Biomimetic Microelectronics for Regenerative Neuronal Cuff Implants

“…Furthermore, the demonstrated possibility to integrate the high-performance amplifi ers at the location where the signals of interest are acquired allows increasing the signal-to-noise ratio, which is of strong advantage for the diagnostic of neuronal activity. [27][28][29] Fabrication of microchannels with integrated electronics: To realize mechanically active, stimuli-responsive, and highperformance IGZO microelectronics, we formulated and The shape of the device can be deterministically chosen to be planar, bent, or self-assembled into a Swiss roll like microtube. c) The diameter of the microtube can be tuned by adjusting the thicknesses of the hydrogel layer, h H , and the stiff polyimide reinforcement layer, h P .…”

“…This, so called, frontend detection and amplifi cation is an important feature to enhance the sensitivity of the acquisition system. [ 28,29 ] Measurement of the ionic solution: Amplifi cation of the signal directly at the measurement location is commonly used in microelectronics to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. However, state-of-the-art neuronal implants do not contain active electronics directly at the measurement location.…”

Electrodeposition of gold templated by patterned thiol monolayers

“…The optical and electrical properties of metallic micro-and nanostructures are of interest for a wide range of applications which comprise plasmonics and metamaterials [1][2][3][4], energy conversion [5], displays [6], and sensing [7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. Besides their technical specification, one important criterion influencing their technological implementation is the effort required to generate such structures and in search for viable routes a widely adopted strategy is based on templating.…”