Development and demonstration of a disposable low-cost microelectrode array for cultured neuronal network recording

Planar microelectrode arrays (MEAs) permit the long-term, non-invasive monitoring of electrically active cells. Compared to disposable plastic chambers and cultured dishes used for in vitro tests, MEAs are typically reused in experiments since they are expensive. Here, we report the design and demonstration of a low-cost novel MEA using conventional liquid crystal display manufacturing techniques. The resulting MEA is flexible, conducive for neuronal culture, and capable of monitoring extracellular potentials at a signal-to-noise ratio comparable to standard commercially available MEAs. The design layout is consistent with results from finite-element modeling. Electrochemical impedance and input referred noise have been measured for the fabricated MEA. Finally, it was demonstrated that spike activity of the cultured cortical neurons on the MEA is sensitive to pharmacological blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX).