Nanopillar Electrode Devices for Scalable Action Potential Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for measuring action potentials, such as patch clamping, are invasive and limit the duration and scalability of measurements due to their invasive nature and limitations in signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
A nanopillar electrode device and method that allows for both extracellular and intracellular recording of action potentials using nanopillar electrodes, which can increase cell membrane permeability through electroporation, enabling high signal-to-noise ratio measurements and minimal invasiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional intracellular recording methods such as patch clamping are used, then measurement precision and signal-to-noise ratio are improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase, limiting measurement duration and scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into multiple nanopillars (e.g., 9 nanopillars arranged in a 3x3 array) on each pad, allowing the system to achieve intracellular recording quality through collective action while maintaining extracellular recording capability, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode transitions from a traditional planar 2D surface to a 3D nanopillar structure with vertical dimension, enabling the electrode to penetrate and interface with cell membranes at multiple levels, thereby achieving high signal-to-noise ratio intracellular recordings without requiring complex invasive procedures
2Measurement precision
If traditional intracellular recording methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but the duration of action is reduced due to invasiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The nanopillar electrode system dynamically adapts its recording mode by allowing cells to naturally form different configurations around the nanopillars over time, transitioning from initial extracellular contact to subsequent intracellular interface formation, thereby maintaining high signal quality throughout extended measurement durations
Solution Approach 2:
The same nanopillar electrode structure serves multiple functions: it can perform both extracellular and intracellular recordings simultaneously or sequentially on different cells, eliminating the need for different electrode types and enabling long-term sustained measurements without replacement
3Measurement precision
If traditional intracellular recording methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity is reduced due to limited scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is divided into multiple independent pads (e.g., 16 pads in a 4x4 arrangement), each containing multiple nanopillars that can independently record from different cells, enabling parallel recording across numerous cells simultaneously and significantly improving productivity while maintaining high recording quality on each channel
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges extracellular and intracellular recording capabilities into a single electrode platform, allowing simultaneous recording from multiple cells with different interface types, thereby achieving both high precision and high scalability without requiring separate specialized electrodes for each cell
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The nanopillar electrode device achieves high-quality, long-term recordings of action potentials with improved signal strength and minimal invasiveness, allowing for repeated measurements over multiple days and detection of subtle changes induced by drugs targeting ion channels.
Implementation Method 1
nanopillar electroporation may be used to increase the permeability of cell membranes to allow intracellular recording
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provide a nanopillar electrode device, comprising a substrate patterned with a plurality of metal pads. The device may further comprise a plurality of nanopillars electrode arrays, wherein each nanopillar electrode array is attached to the substrate above a metal pad and electrically connected to the pad. The device may further comprise and a chamber surrounding the nanopillar electrodes, which can be used for culturing cells of interest for recording action potentials. The nanopillar electrode device may be configured to apply a voltage through the nanopillar electrodes from a voltage source. Nanopillar electroporation may be used to increase the permeability of cell membranes to allow intracellular recording. Also provided are methods of device fabrication, and methods of use.