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Zhang K, Liu Y, Song Y, Xu S, Yang Y, Jiang L, Sun S, Luo J, Wu Y, Cai X. Exploring retinal ganglion cells encoding to multi-modal stimulation using 3D microelectrodes arrays. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1245082. [PMID: 37600306 PMCID: PMC10434521 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1245082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Microelectrode arrays (MEA) are extensively utilized in encoding studies of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) due to their capacity for simultaneous recording of neural activity across multiple channels. However, conventional planar MEAs face limitations in studying RGCs due to poor coupling between electrodes and RGCs, resulting in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and limited recording sensitivity. To overcome these challenges, we employed photolithography, electroplating, and other processes to fabricate a 3D MEA based on the planar MEA platform. The 3D MEA exhibited several improvements compared to planar MEA, including lower impedance (8.73 ± 1.66 kΩ) and phase delay (-15.11° ± 1.27°), as well as higher charge storage capacity (CSC = 10.16 ± 0.81 mC/cm2), cathodic charge storage capacity (CSCc = 7.10 ± 0.55 mC/cm2), and SNR (SNR = 8.91 ± 0.57). Leveraging the advanced 3D MEA, we investigated the encoding characteristics of RGCs under multi-modal stimulation. Optical, electrical, and chemical stimulation were applied as sensory inputs, and distinct response patterns and response times of RGCs were detected, as well as variations in rate encoding and temporal encoding. Specifically, electrical stimulation elicited more effective RGC firing, while optical stimulation enhanced RGC synchrony. These findings hold promise for advancing the field of neural encoding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yaoyao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yilin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shihong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Longhui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shutong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinping Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yirong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinxia Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Esteban-Linares A, Zhang X, Lee HH, Risner ML, Weiss SM, Xu YQ, Levine E, Li D. Graphene-based microfluidic perforated microelectrode arrays for retinal electrophysiological studies. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:2193-2205. [PMID: 36891773 PMCID: PMC10159897 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00064h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Perforated microelectrode arrays (pMEAs) have become essential tools for ex vivo retinal electrophysiological studies. pMEAs increase the nutrient supply to the explant and alleviate the accentuated curvature of the retina, allowing for long-term culture and intimate contacts between the retina and electrodes for electrophysiological measurements. However, commercial pMEAs are not compatible with in situ high-resolution optical imaging and lack the capability of controlling the local microenvironment, which are highly desirable features for relating function to anatomy and probing physiological and pathological mechanisms in retina. Here we report on microfluidic pMEAs (μpMEAs) that combine transparent graphene electrodes and the capability of locally delivering chemical stimulation. We demonstrate the potential of μpMEAs by measuring the electrical response of ganglion cells to locally delivered high K+ stimulation under controlled microenvironments. Importantly, the capability for high-resolution confocal imaging of the retina tissue on top of the graphene electrodes allows for further analyses of the electrical signal source. The new capabilities provided by μpMEAs could allow for retinal electrophysiology assays to address key questions in retinal circuitry studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaosi Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Hannah H Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Michael L Risner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Sharon M Weiss
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Ya-Qiong Xu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Edward Levine
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Deyu Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.
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Ino K. Editorial for the Topic on Microdevices for Biomedical Analysis. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13040570. [PMID: 35457875 PMCID: PMC9026374 DOI: 10.3390/mi13040570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Ino
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University 6-6-11, Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
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Duru J, Küchler J, Ihle SJ, Forró C, Bernardi A, Girardin S, Hengsteler J, Wheeler S, Vörös J, Ruff T. Engineered Biological Neural Networks on High Density CMOS Microelectrode Arrays. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:829884. [PMID: 35264928 PMCID: PMC8900719 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.829884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In bottom-up neuroscience, questions on neural information processing are addressed by engineering small but reproducible biological neural networks of defined network topology in vitro. The network topology can be controlled by culturing neurons within polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microstructures that are combined with microelectrode arrays (MEAs) for electric access to the network. However, currently used glass MEAs are limited to 256 electrodes and pose a limitation to the spatial resolution as well as the design of more complex microstructures. The use of high density complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) MEAs greatly increases the spatial resolution, enabling sub-cellular readout and stimulation of neurons in defined neural networks. Unfortunately, the non-planar surface of CMOS MEAs complicates the attachment of PDMS microstructures. To overcome the problem of axons escaping the microstructures through the ridges of the CMOS MEA, we stamp-transferred a thin film of hexane-diluted PDMS onto the array such that the PDMS filled the ridges at the contact surface of the microstructures without clogging the axon guidance channels. This method resulted in 23 % of structurally fully connected but sealed networks on the CMOS MEA of which about 45 % showed spiking activity in all channels. Moreover, we provide an impedance-based method to visualize the exact location of the microstructures on the MEA and show that our method can confine axonal growth within the PDMS microstructures. Finally, the high spatial resolution of the CMOS MEA enabled us to show that action potentials follow the unidirectional topology of our circular multi-node microstructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Duru
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Joël Küchler
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Stephan J. Ihle
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Csaba Forró
- Cui Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Aeneas Bernardi
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Girardin
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Julian Hengsteler
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Stephen Wheeler
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - János Vörös
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Ruff
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Vėbraitė I, David-Pur M, Rand D, Głowacki ED, Hanein Y. Electrophysiological investigation of intact retina with soft printed organic neural interface. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 34736225 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac36ab] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective.Understanding how the retina converts a natural image or an electrically stimulated one into neural firing patterns is the focus of on-going research activities.Ex vivo, the retina can be readily investigated using multi electrode arrays (MEAs). However, MEA recording and stimulation from an intact retina (in the eye) has been so far insufficient.Approach.In the present study, we report new soft carbon electrode arrays suitable for recording and stimulating neural activity in an intact retina. Screen-printing of carbon ink on 20µm polyurethane (PU) film was used to realize electrode arrays with electrodes as small as 40µm in diameter. Passivation was achieved with a holey membrane, realized using laser drilling in a thin (50µm) PU film. Plasma polymerized 3.4-ethylenedioxythiophene was used to coat the electrode array to improve the electrode specific capacitance. Chick retinas, embryonic stage day 13, both explanted and intact inside an enucleated eye, were used.Main results.A novel fabrication process based on printed carbon electrodes was developed and yielded high capacitance electrodes on a soft substrate.Ex vivoelectrical recording of retina activity with carbon electrodes is demonstrated. With the addition of organic photo-capacitors, simultaneous photo-electrical stimulation and electrical recording was achieved. Finally, electrical activity recordings from an intact chick retina (inside enucleated eyes) were demonstrated. Both photosensitive retinal ganglion cell responses and spontaneous retina waves were recorded and their features analyzed.Significance.Results of this study demonstrated soft electrode arrays with unique properties, suitable for simultaneous recording and photo-electrical stimulation of the retina at high fidelity. This novel electrode technology opens up new frontiers in the study of neural tissuein vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ieva Vėbraitė
- School of Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 699780, Israel
| | - Moshe David-Pur
- School of Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 699780, Israel
| | - David Rand
- School of Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 699780, Israel
| | - Eric Daniel Głowacki
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Yael Hanein
- School of Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 699780, Israel.,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 699780, Israel
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Fabrication of Planar Microelectrode Array Using Laser-Patterned ITO and SU-8. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12111347. [PMID: 34832760 PMCID: PMC8621540 DOI: 10.3390/mi12111347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
For several decades, microelectrode array (MEA) has been a powerful tool for in vitro neural electrophysiology because it provides a unique approach for monitoring the activity of a number of neurons over time. Due to the various applications of MEAs with different types of cells and tissues, there is an increasing need to customize the electrode designs. However, the fabrication of conventional MEAs requires several microfabrication procedures of deposition, etching, and photolithography. In this study, we proposed a simple fabrication method with a laser-patterned indium tin oxide (ITO) conductor and SU-8 photoresist insulation. Unlike in a conventional metal patterning process, only the outlines of ITO conductors are ablated by laser without removing background ITO. Insulation is achieved simply via SU-8 photolithography. The electrode sites are electroplated with iridium oxide (IrOX) to improve the electrochemical properties. The fabricated MEAs are electrochemically characterized and the stability of insulation is also confirmed by impedance monitoring for three weeks. Dissociated neurons of rat hippocampi are cultured on MEAs to verify the biocompatibility and the capacity for extracellular neural recording. The electrochemical and electrophysiological results with the fabricated MEAs are similar to those from conventional SiNX-insulated MEAs. Therefore, the proposed MEA with laser-patterned ITO and SU-8 is cost-effective and equivalently feasible compared with the conventional MEAs fabricated using thin-film microfabrication techniques.
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Editorial for the Special Issue on Micro/Nanofabrication for Retinal Implants. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11111005. [PMID: 33202623 PMCID: PMC7696498 DOI: 10.3390/mi11111005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The retinal prosthetic community has witnessed tremendous technological advances during the last two decades since the emergence of pioneering work [...].
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Ha Y, Yoo HJ, Shin S, Jun SB. Correction: Ha, Y. et al. Hemispherical Microelectrode Array for Ex Vivo Retinal Neural Recording. Micromachines 2020, 11, 538. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11080720. [PMID: 32722193 PMCID: PMC7464979 DOI: 10.3390/mi11080720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The authors would like to make the following changes to the published paper [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonhee Ha
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea; (Y.H.); (H.-J.Y.)
| | - Hyun-Ji Yoo
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea; (Y.H.); (H.-J.Y.)
| | - Soowon Shin
- Department of Bioengineering, TODOC Co., Ltd., Seoul 08394, Korea;
| | - Sang Beom Jun
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea; (Y.H.); (H.-J.Y.)
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
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