title: Parallel multipoint recording of aligned and cultured neurons on micro channel array toward cellular network analysis.
abstract: This paper describes an advanced Micro Channel Array (MCA) for recording electrophysiological signals of neuronal networks at multiple points simultaneously. The developed MCA is designed for neuronal network analysis which has been studied by the co-authors using the Micro Electrode Arrays (MEA) system, and employs the principles of extracellular recordings. A prerequisite for extracellular recordings with good signal-to-noise ratio is a tight contact between cells and electrodes. The MCA described herein has the following advantages. The electrodes integrated around individual micro channels are electrically isolated to enable parallel multipoint recording. Reliable clamping of a targeted cell through micro channels is expected to improve the cellular selectivity and the attachment between the cell and the electrode toward steady electrophysiological recordings. We cultured hippocampal neurons on the developed MCA. As a result, the spontaneous and evoked spike potentials could be recorded by sucking and clamping the cells at multiple points. In this paper, we describe the design and fabrication of the MCA and the successful electrophysiological recordings leading to the development of an effective cellular network analysis device.
authors.affiliation: Ritsumeikan Global Innovation Research Organization, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan. wtr10083@fc.ritsumei.ac.jp
authors.forename: Wataru
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Tonomura
authors.forename: Hiroyuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Moriguchi
authors.forename: Yasuhiko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Jimbo
authors.forename: Satoshi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Konishi
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials; D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D017097:Electric Impedance; D004566:Electrodes; D055724:Electrophysiological Phenomena; D004867:Equipment Design; D046228:Microarray Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D055616:Microtechnology; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology*; D011108:Polymers; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014992:Xylenes
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers; D014992:Xylenes; C011055:parylene