Semiconductor Technology applied to Neurophysiological Research : Neural Recording and Stimulation on Plannar Microelectrode Arrays(MEAs)

Abstract

Plannar Microelectrode Arrays(MEAs) fabricated using semiconductor process technology have been used as valuable tools for electrical stimulation and neural recording of neurons in neurophysiological research area for several decades. Neuronal cell patterning technology like microcontact printing increased the usefulness of MEAs. Here we report the MEA fabrication process of our group and neuronal cell patterning techniques using microcontact printing and electrochmical patterning. And we show that we can selectively stimulate neurons patterned and cultured on MEA and record a action potential propagation of the stimulated neurons. We also show that MEAs can be used to observe the neuronal cell responses by electrical stimulation like cell migration and apoptosis, We expect that new type MEAs fabricated using recently advanced semiconductr process technology will be used for advanced neurophygiological researchs.