Micro-electrode Grid Array for Neuronal Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Multi-Electrode Array (MEA) systems are poorly suited for long-term potentiation and depression studies due to suboptimal perfusion, limited spatial resolution, and noise contamination from poor tissue-electrode sealing, which restricts their functionality and accuracy in recording neuronal activity.
Innovation Solution
A mixed micro-fluidic multi-electrode grid array device with separable micro-fluidic and electrode systems, allowing for improved perfusion and sealing, increased spatial resolution, and flexible grid thickness for better tissue adherence, enabling high-density simultaneous recordings and stimulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single substrate MEA system is used, then the device structure is simple, but the spatial resolution and area coverage are limited due to wire space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate substrates: a first substrate containing micro-electrode arrays for recording, and a second substrate containing micro-electrode arrays for stimulation. This segmentation allows each substrate to be optimized independently, enabling high spatial resolution recordings without being constrained by wire space on a single substrate.
2Device complexity
If perfusion system is integrated with electronics on one chip, then the system is compact, but the system cost increases and recording quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The perfusion system is separated from the electronic recording substrate. The first substrate contains the micro-electrode arrays for electrical recording, while the perfusion system is implemented as a separate fluid delivery mechanism, allowing high-quality electrical recordings without interference from fluidic components.
3Measurement precision
If tissue slice sealing is improved, then noise contamination is reduced, but the device flexibility and ease of installation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The first substrate is designed with pre-formed sealing structures including grooves and gaskets that automatically seal when the tissue slice is placed between the substrates. This preliminary preparation of sealing features ensures low-noise recordings while maintaining ease of installation, as the sealing action occurs automatically during the standard mounting procedure.
4Productivity
If electrode density is increased on a single substrate, then recording capacity is improved, but the interelectrode distance becomes insufficient for adequate area coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional electrode arrangement on a single substrate to a three-dimensional configuration with two separate substrates. This allows high electrode density on each substrate while maintaining adequate interelectrode distances through the vertical separation between substrates, thereby achieving both high recording capacity and sufficient area coverage.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mixed micro-fluidic multi-electrode grid array (MEGA) device (10) suitable for holding a tissue slice (6) and for recording and/or stimulating neuron cells from said tissue slice (6), the MEGA device (10) comprising at least a top substrate in the form of a grid (4) comprising at least an electrical and/or optical multi-electrode array and a bottom substrate in the form of a stack made of a grid (1) comprising an electrical and/or optical multi-electrode array and a backbone (2) underneath said grid (1) comprising a micro-fluidic perfusion system. Furthermore said MEGA device (10) comprises means (5) for pressing and positioning said first and second substrate together and adhering a tissue slice in between said two substrates.