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. Multi-Electrode Array Biochips

    The MEA biochips are realized on 15 mm x 15 mm glass substrates using standard microfabrication technologies. In order to be compatible with the commercially available MEA60 signal amplification and data acquisition system from Multi Channel Systems MCS, our electrode arrays are mounted onto a printed circuit board, which fits into the MEA60 system interface. A 6 mm high glass ring is used to create a culture chamber, which is sealed with biocompatible silicone to ensure that it remains watertight.



MEA Device

. Planar Electrode Biochips

    The planar Ayanda™ MEA biochips including platinum, gold or indium-tin oxide electrodes are used for cell/tissue culture applications.

    The picture on the right shows some planar platinum electrodes embedded in its insulation layer.



Planar MEA

. 3D Electrode Biochips

    Planar MEA biochips present disadvantages for acute tissue slice experimentation. The first layers of cells at the border of the slices are damaged during sample preparation. When such tissue slices are placed onto planar electrodes, it is difficult to record its electrical activity due to the distance between the active cells and the electrodes.

    To overcome this problem, scientists usually keep the tissue slices in culture for about one or two weeks (the so called organotypic cultures). During this time, the damaged cells at the border of the tissue are eliminated and the distance between the active cells and the electrodes is reduced. Under these conditions, the electrical activity of the cells can be monitored. Unfortunately, the original biological network is lost during the time of culture.

    A new way to overcome this problem is the use of 3D electrodes. By using three-dimentional electrodes, it is possible to monitor the electrical activity of the tissue directly after placing it onto the electrodes (M. Heuschkel et al., J. Neurosci. Methods 114 (2002) 135-148). The geometry of the electrodes improves the penetration in the tissue slice, thereby reducing the distance between the active cells and the electrodes. The pictures on the right show the workspace of a 3D MEA device and a close view of a 3D electrode.

    3D MEA biochips are well suited for acute tissue slice experimentation.

3D Electrodes

3D Electrodes





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