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A patterned polystyrene-based microelectrode array for in vitro neuronal recordings

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Abstract

Substrate-integrated microelectrode arrays (MEAs) are non-invasive platforms for recording supra-threshold signals, i.e. action potentials or spikes, from a variety of cultured electrically active cells, and are useful for pharmacological and toxicological studies. However, the MEA substrate, which is often fabricated using semiconductor processing technology, presents some challenges to the user. Specifically, the electrode encapsulation, which may consist of a variety of inorganic and organic materials, requires a specific substrate preparation protocol to optimize cell adhesion to the surface. Often, these protocols differ from and are more complex than traditional protocols for in vitro cell culture in polystyrene petri dishes. Here, we describe the fabrication of an MEA with indium tin oxide microelectrodes and a patterned polystyrene electrode encapsulation. We demonstrate the electrochemical stability of the electrodes and encapsulation, and show viable cell culture and in vitro recordings.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge support from NSF PFI grant number IIP-1114211 (PI: BE Gnade). The authors would also like to thank the staff of the University of Texas at Dallas clean room for many helpful processing suggestions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA

    Audrey Hammack

  2. Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA

    Rashed T. Rihani, Bryan J. Black & Joseph J. Pancrazio

  3. Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA

    Bruce E. Gnade

  4. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, 75275, USA

    Bruce E. Gnade

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  1. Audrey Hammack
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  2. Rashed T. Rihani
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  3. Bryan J. Black
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  4. Joseph J. Pancrazio
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  5. Bruce E. Gnade
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Correspondence to Audrey Hammack.

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Hammack, A., Rihani, R.T., Black, B.J. et al. A patterned polystyrene-based microelectrode array for in vitro neuronal recordings. Biomed Microdevices 20, 48 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10544-018-0295-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10544-018-0295-3

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