Carbon nanotube based multi electrode arrays (CNT MEA)

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Figure 1: CNT MEAs

Extra-cellular recordings with multi electrode array (MEAs) systems have been used for the last several decades to study the formation and behavior of in-vitro neuronal networks. It is widely accepted that improved MEAs, with better control over cell density and patterning, are expected to be useful to expand our understanding of high brain functions and to facilitate novel neuro-chip sensors.

In the last several years we have developed a novel class of micro electrodes. These electrodes are specifically designed to interface with neuronal systems. The electrodes were fabricated by synthesizing high density carbon nanotube islands on lithographically defined, passivated titanium nitride conductors on a silicon dioxide substrate. These novel bio-compatible electrodes facilitate two special functions: neuronal tissue patterning as well as recording of the cell’s electrical activity. High fidelity extra-cellular recordings from cultured neurons was performed and analyzed to validate the effectiveness of the fabricated electrodes. The enhanced electrochemical properties of the electrodes, their flexible and simple micro-fabrication preparation procedure as well as their bio-compatibility and durability suggest that carbon nanotube electrodes are a promising platform for high resolution capacitive electrochemical applications.

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