Microelectrode Array (MEA)
Manual
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
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of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH.
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assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information
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© 2014 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. All rights reserved.
Printed: 08. 05. 2014
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
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72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-71 21-90 92 5 - 0
Fax +49-71 21-90 92 5 -11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
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Microelectrode Arrays (MEAs) — Overview
Table of Contents
1 Introduction 6
1.1 About this Manual 6
2 Important Information and Instructions 7
2.1 Operator's Obligations 7
2.2 Guarantee and Liability 7
2.3 Important Safety Advice 8
3 Microelectrode Arrays (MEAs) — Overview 9
3.1 Extracellular Recording with Microelectrode Arrays 9
3.2 MEA Design and Production 10
3.3 Electrodes, Tracks, and Insulation 11
4 MEA Types and Layouts 12
4.1 Standard Electrode Numbering 13
4.2 Standard MEA 14
4.3 High Density MEA: 60HDMEA 15
4.4 Hexa MEA: 60HexaMEA 16
4.5 Thin MEA: 60ThinMEA 17
4.6 Eco MEA: 60EcoMEA 18
4.7 Stimulation MEA: 60StimMEA 19
4.8 Perforated MEA: 60pMEA 20
4.9 Perforated MEAs for Use with MEA2100-32-System
and USB-MEA32-STIM4-System 21
4.10 MEA with 6 Wells: 60-6wellMEA 22
4.11 256MEA for Use with USB-MEA256-System 23
4.12 MEA with 6 Wells for Use with USB-MEA256-System 24
4.13 MEA with 9 Wells for Use with USB-MEA256-System 25
4.14 120MEA with for Use with MEA2100-120-System 26
4.15 Quadrant MEA: 60-4QMEA1000 27
4.16 Square MEA: 60SquareMEA 28
4.17 PEDOT-CNT MEAs: 60PedotMEA 29
4.18 FlexMEA 30
4.19 EcoFlexMEA 32
4.20 MEA Signal Generator: 60MEA-SG 34
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MEA Manual
5
MEA Handling 35
5.1 Hydrophilic Surface Treatment 35
5.1.1 Plasma Cleaning 35
5.1.2 Protein Coating 35
5.1.3 Preculturing 36
5.2 Sterilization 36
5.2.1 Sterilization with Ethanol and UV Light 36
5.2.2 Steam Sterilization (Autoclavation) 36
5.2.3 Dry-Heat Sterilization 36
5.2.4 Sterilization with Hot Water 36
5.3 MEA Storage 37
5.4 MEA Coating 37
5.4.1 Coating with Nitrocellulose 37
5.4.2 Coating with Polyethyleneimine (PEI) plus Laminin 38
5.4.3 Coating with Polyornithine (plus Laminin) 39
5.4.4 Coating with Poly-D-Lysine (plus Laminin) 40
5.4.5 Coating with Poly-D-Lysine (plus Fibronectin) 41
5.4.6 Coating with Fibronectin 41
5.4.7 Coating with Collagen 42
5.5 Cleaning of used MEAs 43
5.5.1 General Recommendations for Cleaning MEAs 43
5.5.2 Cleaning of pMEAs 43
5.5.3 Cleaning of EcoMEAs 43
5.5.4 Cleaning of EcoFlexMEAs 43
5.5.5 Cleaning of FlexMEAs 44
5.5.6 Removing Nitrocellulose Coating 44
5.5.7 MEA Cleaning with EDTA-Collagenase 44
5.5.8 MEA Cleaning with Terg-A-Zyme 45
4
6 Culture Chamber Options 47
6.1 MEA2100-CO2-C 47
6.2 Sealed MEA Culture Dish 47
6.3 MEA Culture Chamber with Lid 48
6.4 Culture Chamber for 9-Well MEAs 48
6.5 Culture Chamber for 6-Well MEAs 48
Microelectrode Arrays (MEAs) — Overview
7
Recording with MEAs 50
7.1 Mounting the MEA 50
7.1.1 Cleaning the Contact Pads 50
7.1.2 Positioning the MEA 50
7.1.3 Grounding the Bath 50
7.2 General Performance / Noise Level 51
8
Stimulation 53
8.1 Using MEA Electrodes for Stimulation 53
8.2 Capacitive Behavior of Stimulating Electrodes 54
8.3 Aspects of Electrode Size and Material 55
8.4 Recommended Stimulus Amplitudes and Durations 56
9 Troubleshooting 57
9.1 About Troubleshooting 57
9.2 Technical Support 57
9.3 Noise on Single Electrodes 58
9.4 Overall Noise / Unsteady Baseline 60
9.5 Missing Spikes or Strange Signal Behavior 61
10 Appendix 63
10.1 Contact Information 63
10.2 Safe Charge Injection Limits 64
10.3 Data Sheets 65
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MEA Manual
1 Introduction
1.1 About this Manual
The MEA manual comprises all important information about the microelectrode arrays (MEA) for use with
(USB-) MEA- or ME-Systems from Multi Channel Systems. The MEA manual focuses on general information
on the MEA design, use, and handling, and more specific information on different MEA types. It also
includes recommendations on sterilization, coating, and cleaning procedures, from scientifical papers
or from recommendations of other MEA users.
For more details on issues that refer to the amplifier, like grounding or mounting the MEA, please refer to
the manual for the MEA amplifier you use. You will find more information about the MEA-System and its
components in general, especially the data acquisition card, in the MEA-System manual. For more details
on the data acquisition and analysis program MC_Rack, please refer to the MC_Rack manual.
It is assumed that you have already a basic understanding of technical terms. No special skills are required
to read this manual.
The components and also the manual are part of an ongoing developmental process. Please understand
that the provided documentation is not always up to date. Please check the MCS Web site
(www.multichannelsystems.com) from time to time for downloading up-to-date manuals.
Those parts in this manual that refer to the applications, and not to the product itself, for example,
coating of MEAs, are only a summary of published information from other sources (see references) and
has the intention of helping users finding the appropriate information for setting up their experiments.
Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH has not tested or verified this information. Multi Channel Systems MCS
GmbH does not guarantee that the information is correct. Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH recommends
to refer to the referenced literature for planning and executing any experiments.
6
Microelectrode Arrays (MEAs) — Overview
2 Important Information and Instructions
2.1 Operator's Obligations
The operator is obliged to allow only persons to work on the device, who
are familiar with the safety at work and accident prevention regulations and have been instructed
how to use the device;
are professionally qualified or have specialist knowledge and training and have received instruction
in the use of the device;
have read and understood the chapter on safety and the warning instructions in this manual
and confirmed this with their signature.
It must be monitored at regular intervals that the operating personnel are working safely.
Personnel still undergoing training may only work on the device under the supervision
of an experienced person.
2.2 Guarantee and Liability
The General conditions of sale and delivery of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH always apply.
The operator will receive these no later than on conclusion of the contract.
Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH makes no Guarantee as to the accuracy of any and all tests and data
generated by the use of the device or the software. It is up to the user to use good laboratory practice to
establish the validity of his findings.
Guarantee and liability claims in the event of injury or material damage are excluded when they are the
result of one of the following.
Improper use of the device.
Improper installation, commissioning, operation or maintenance of the device.
Operating the device when the safety and protective devices are defective and/or inoperable.
Non-observance of the instructions in the manual with regard to transport, storage, installation,
commissioning, operation or maintenance of the device.
Unauthorized structural alterations to the device.
Unauthorized modifications to the system settings.
Inadequate monitoring of device components subject to wear.
Improperly executed and unauthorized repairs.
Unauthorized opening of the device or its components.
Catastrophic events due to the effect of foreign bodies or acts of God.
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MEA Manual
2.3 Important Safety Advice
Warning: Make sure to read the following advice prior to install or to use the device and the software.
If you do not fulfill all requirements stated below, this may lead to malfunctions or breakage of
connected hardware, or even fatal injuries.
Warning: Obey always the rules of local regulations and laws. Only qualified personnel should be
allowed to perform laboratory work. Work according to good laboratory practice to obtain best results
and to minimize risks.
The product has been built to the state of the art and in accordance with recognized safety engineering
rules. The device may only
be used for its intended purpose;
be used when in a perfect condition.
Improper use could lead to serious, even fatal injuries to the user or third parties and damage to the device
itself or other material damage.
Warning: The device and the software are not
humans.
Malfunctions which could impair safety should be rectified immediately.
Regard the technical specifications of the various MEA types, especially the temperature range and the safe
charge injection limits for stimulation.
Do not autoclave or expose pMEAs to heat more than 50 °C.
Do not touch the electrode field in any way.
Do not use any liquids or cleaning solutions with a high pH (> 7) for a longer period of time on MEAs
of a silicon nitride insulation type. Basic solutions will damage TiN electrodes.
intended for medical uses and must not be used on
8
3 Microelectrode Arrays (MEAs) — Overview
3.1 Extracellular Recording with Microelectrode Arrays
A microelectrode array (MEA) is an arrangement of typically 60 electrodes allowing the targeting of several
sites in parallel for extracellular recording and stimulation.
Cell lines or primary cell preparations are cultivated directly on the MEA. Freshly prepared slices can be used
for acute recordings, or can be cultivated as organotypic cultures (OTC) on the MEA.
Recorded signals are amplified by a filter amplifier and sent to the data acquisition computer. All MEAs
(except EcoFlex- or FlexMEAs) are only for use with MEA-Systems or USB-MEA-Systems for extracellular
recording from Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. FlexMEAs may be used with components of
ME-Systems and USB-ME-Systems from Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. EcoFlex- and FlexMEAs are
designed for use in in vitro or in vivo studies. Please see setup manuals “Setup (USB-) MEA-Systems and
(USB-) ME-Systems” for more information.
Several MEA geometries are provided for a wide variety of applications. Almost all excitable or electrogenic
cells and tissues can be used for extracellular recording in vitro, for example, central or peripheral neurons,
cardiac myocytes, whole-heart preparations, or retina.
MEA Manual
There are various applications for MEAs in the fields of neurobiology and cardiac electrophysiology.
Typical neurobiological applications are: Ion channel screening, drug testing, safety pharmacology studies,
current source density analysis, paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), long term potentiation (LTP) and depression
(LTD), I / O relationship of evoked responses, circadian rhythm, neuroregeneration, developmental biology,
microencephalograms (EEG), and microelectroretinograms (ERG).
Typical applications in the cardiac field are: Activation and excitation mapping, measuring of the conduction
velocity, longterm characterizations of cell types (especially stem cells), culture pacing, drug testing, safety
pharmacology studies, monitoring of QT-related prolongation and arrhythmias, cocultures and disease /
implantation model.
For more information on published applications or procedures for biological preparations, please see the
application notes on the MCS web site:
http://www.multichannelsystems.com/applications.html
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MEA Manual
3.2 MEA Design and Production
A standard MEA biosensor has a square recording area of 700 μm to 5 mm length. In this area,
60 electrodes are aligned in an 8 x 8 grid with interelectrode distances of 100, 200, or 500 μm. Planar
TiN (titanium nitride) electrodes are available in sizes of 10, 20, and 30 μm, and three-dimensional TiN
electrodes have a diameter of > 20 μm at the base with a very fine tip. Standard MEAs are useful for
a wide variety of applications. Different geometries match the anatomical properties of the preparation.
Most MEAs are available with a substrate-integrated reference electrode replacing the silver pellet in the
bath. All electrodes can either be used for recording or for stimulation.
In principle MEA electrodes are not arranged symmetrical, so the MEA chip has to be placed inside the
amplifier in the recommended manner.
Several other MEA types and layouts that are dedicated to special applications are also available, please
see chapter “MEA Types and Layouts” for more details.
The biological sample can be positioned directly on the recording area; the MEA serves as a culture and
perfusion chamber. A temperature controller controls the temperature in the culture chamber. Various
culture chambers are available, for example, with leak proof lid or with semipermeable seal. An incubator
is not necessarily required, long-term recordings in the MEA culture chamber are possible over several
weeks or even months.
For cell or slice cultures, MEAs have to be coated with standard procedures before use to improve the cell
attachment and growth, please read chapter “MEA Coating”.
Spike activity can be detected at distances of up to 100 μm from a neuron in an acute brain slice. Typically,
signal sources are within a radius of 30 μm around the electrode center. The smaller the distance, the
higher are the extracellular signals. The higher the spatial resolution, the lower the numbers of units that
are picked up by a single electrode, that is, the less effort has to be put into the spike sorting.
Multi Channel Systems provides MEAs with the highest spatial resolution in the market. HighDenseMEAs
have electrodes with a diameter of only 10 μm arranged in a distance of only 30 μm (center to center).
The challenge of manufacturing very small electrodes and at the same time keeping the impedance and
the noise level down has been met by introducing a new electrode material: Titanium nitride (TiN).
The NMI in Reutlingen, Germany (www.nmi.de), produces MEAs from very pure fine quality and highly
biocompatible materials. The NMI is a research institute, with which Multi Channel Systems has
collaborated in many projects and over many years.
Quality controls and production processes have been improved over the last years so that MEAs are always
of a fine consistent quality at very reasonable prices.
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3.3 Electrodes, Tracks, and Insulation
Microfold structures result in a large surface area that allows the formation of electrodes with an excellent
signal to noise ratio without compromising on the spatial resolution.
TiN (titanium nitride) is a very stable material that, for example, is also widely used for coating heavy
equipment. All MEAs with TiN electrodes have a long life and can be reused several times if handled with
care. If used for acute slices, MEAs can be used for approximately one year. Additionally available are
EcoMEAs equipped with gold (Au) electrodes.
Long-time experiments with cell cultures and rigid cleaning methods shorten the MEA lifetime, but you
can still reuse a MEA about 30 times, depending on the coating, cell culture, and cleaning procedure.
All MEAs (except pMEAs) show excellent temperature compatibility and are stable from 0 °C to 125 °C,
that is, they can be autoclaved.
The impedance of a flat, round titanium nitride (TiN) electrode ranges between 30 and 400 kiloohms,
depending on the diameter. The smaller an electrode, the higher is the impedance. On one hand, lower
impedance seems desirable, but on the other hand, a smaller electrode and interelectrode distance results
in a higher spatial resolution.
Multi Channel Systems provides MEAs with TiN electrodes with sizes of 10, 20, or 30 μm and gold
electrodes with 100 μm, which all show an excellent performance and low noise level. The average
noise level of 30 μm and 10 μm electrodes is less than 10 μV and 15 μV peak to peak, respectively.
MEA Manual
Gold electrodes (EcoMEAs) are only available with a low spatial resolution and are useful for medium
throughput screening, where costs are a limiting factor.
All planar TiN electrodes are positioned on a round pad with a diameter of 40 μm. If you like to check
the electrodes with a light microscope, you will need an upright microscope to see the MEA from above.
With an inverse microscope, you are only able to see the (bigger) pad from below, not the electrode itself.
The electrodes are embedded in a carrier material, usually glass. Standard tracks made of titanium (Ti)
or indium tin oxide (ITO) are electrically isolated with silicon nitride (SiN). Standard contact pads are made
of titanium nitride (TiN) or indium tin oxide (ITO). ITO contact pads and tracks are transparent, for a perfect
view of the specimen under the microscope.
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MEA Manual
4 MEA Types and Layouts
Various types of MEA biosensors are available for all kind of extracellular multi channel recordings.
Typical MEAs for in vitro applications have 60 microelectrodes arranged in an 8 x 8 layout grid embedded
in a transparent glass substrate. You can cultivate the tissue or cell culture directly on the MEA. EcoFlexand FlexMEAs are made for in vivo and in vitro applications.
MEA types differ in the materials used for the carrier and the recording area, and in the geometry, that is,
electrode size and interelectrode distances. The electrode size and interelectrode distances are used for
categorizing MEAs: The first number refers to the interelectrode distance, for example 200 μm, and the
second number refers to the electrode size, for example 10 μm, which results in the standard MEA type
200/10, for example.
Standard versions are available with an internal reference electrode (abbreviated “iR”) and with various
culture chamber interface options. Culture chambers are available with and without lid.
Please ask for custom layouts, that is, MEA layouts according to your specifications.
In this chapter, each MEA type is briefly described and noted.
Standard MEAs with flat round TiN electrodes in an 8 x 8 layout grid for all applications.
MEAs with 6 x 10 layout grid and 500 μm inter electrode distances.
HighDenseMEAs with the highest spatial resolution and a double recording field of 5 x 6 electrodes each.
HexaMEAs featuring a hexagonal layout, perfect for recording from retina.
ThinMEAs with a "thickness" of only 180 μm, ideally suited for high-resolution imaging.
Very cost efficient and robust EcoMEAs on glass or PCB (printed circuit board) base for applications with
lower spatial resolution and higher throughput, especially for established cardiomyocyte cultures, large
slices, or whole-heart preparations.
Stimulation MEAs with 16 additional stimulation electrodes.
Perforated MEAs allow perfusing the acute slice from up- and downside. For use with MEA2100
headstages equipped with perfusion element (MEA2100-PE) and MEA1060 amplifiers with perfusion
ground plate (MEA-PGP) or with.
Small perforated MEAs with 32 recording and 12 stimulation electrodes specified for use with
MEA2100-32- and USB-MEA32-STIM4-System.
6 well MEAs feature a round MEA layout, separated in six segments of 3 x 3 electrodes, like a pie-chart.
Using the 6 well MEA with macrolon triangle or round chamber ring, you have 6 separate culture chambers
on one MEA, for example, for drug application in a screening experiment.
4 quadrant 1000 MEAs with electrode layout organized in four quadrants and a center line.
256MEAs with 252 recording electrodes in a 16 x 16 layout grid for use with USB-MEA256-System.
6 well MEAs for use with USB-MEA256-System. 252 electrodes in 6 blocks of 6 x 7 electrodes in a round
layout for use with 6 well macrolon triangle or round chamber rings. You have 6 separate culture chambers
on one MEA, for example, for drug application in a screening experiment.
9 well MEAs for use with USB-MEA256-System. 256 electrodes in nine blocks of 26 recording, two
stimulation and reference electrodes each. Using the 9 well MEA with macrolon quadrant, you have
9 separate culture chambers, for example, for drug application in a screening experiment.
120MEAs and a perforated 120pMEA with 12 x 12 layout grid for use with MEA2100-120-System only.
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MEA Manual
Square MEAs with TiN (Titanium nitride) electrodes in 50 x 50 μm square size in a 8 x 8 layout grid.
PEDOT-CNT MEAs with carbon nanotube – poly 3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene electrodes and gold tracks
and contact pads have very low impedance values of approximately 20 kThey are ideal for stimulation
and have excellent biocompatibility and cell adhesion.
FlexMEAs made of flexible polyimide 2611 foil, perfect for in vivo and specific in vitro applications, for
example, whole-heart preparations. Available with 36 (FlexMEA36) or 72 (FlexMEA72) TiN (Titanium nitride)
electrodes.
EcoFlexMEAs made of flexible polyimide (Kapton) as well, but very cost efficient and more robust than
FlexMEAs from polyimide foil. Available with 36 (EcoFlexMEA36) or 24 (EcoFlex24) gold electrodes.
4.1 Standard Electrode Numbering
The numbering of MEA electrodes in the 8 x 8 grid (standard MEAs, ThinMEAs, EcoMEAs, StimMEAs,
pMEAs) follows the standard numbering scheme for square grids: The first digit is the column number,
and the second digit is the row number. For example, electrode 23 is positioned in the third row of the
second column.
These numbers are the same numbers that are used as channel numbers in the MCS data acquisition
software, for example the MC_Rack program. Using MC_Rack please make sure that you have selected
the two-dimensional MEA layout as the “Channel Layout” in “Data Source Setup”. For more details,
please refer to the MC_Rack manual or help.
Important: MEAs are not symmetrical! That is, why the writing (for example NMI, LEITER, MEA type) on
the MEA chip should be on the right side viewed from the front, with the sockets of the amplifier in the
back. MEAs with one big internal reference electrode should be placed with reference electrode to the left
side in the amplifier. Otherwise, the MEA layout will not match with the pin layout of the channel map in
MC_Rack.
Other electrode grids are described in the next chapter, and in the Appendix.
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MEA Manual
4.2 Standard MEA
60MEA100/10-ITO, 60MEA200/10iR-ITO, 60MEA200/30iR-ITO, 60MEA100/10iR-TI, 60MEA200/10-Ti,
60MEA200/30-Ti, 60MEA200/10iR-TI, 60MEA200/30iR-Ti,60MEA500/10iR-Ti, 60MEA500/30iR-Ti
Standard MEAs have 60 electrodes in an 8 x 8 layout grid with electrode diameters of 10 μm or 30 μm,
and interelectrode distances of 100 μm, 200 μm. The MEAs with an interelectrode distance of 500 μm
have a 6 x 10 layout grid.
Versions 200/10, 200/30, 100/10 are available without or with an internal reference electrode as indicated
by the abbreviation iR. You can connect the internal reference electrode directly to the amplifier's ground
and will not need silver pellets for grounding the bath anymore. Please refer to the MEA manual delivered
with your MEA amplifier for more information.
The flat, round electrodes are made of titanium nitride (TiN). MEAs with TiN electrodes are very stable.
Therefore, the MEAs can be reused several times and are perfect for long-time experiments (up to several
weeks and even months). The electrode impedance ranges between 30 k and 400 k depending on the
electrode diameter. Generally, the smaller the electrode, the higher is the impedance.
Tracks are made of titanium (Ti) and contact pads are made of titanium nitride (TiN) or indium tin oxide
(ITO); insulation material is silicon nitride. ITO contact pads and tracks are transparent, for a perfect view
of the specimen under the microscope.
Important: MEAs are not symmetrical! That is, why the writing (for example NMI, LEITER, MEA type) on
the MEA chip should be on the right side viewed from the front, with the sockets of the amplifier in the
back. MEAs with one big internal reference electrode should be placed with reference electrode to the left
side in the amplifier. Otherwise, the MEA layout will not match with the pin layout of the channel map in
MC_Rack.
Using standard MEAs
Standard MEAs can be used for a wide variety of applications. They are robust and heat-stabilized. They can
be autoclaved and coated with different procedures for cell and tissue cultures. Generally, they can be used
for acute experiments as well as long-term cultures.
14
4.3 High Density MEA: 60HDMEA
60HDMEA30/10iR-ITO
MEA Manual
10 μm electrodes are arranged in two recording fields with 5 x 6 electrodes each. The interelectrode
spacing is only 30 μm center to center.
The very high electrode density of the two recording fields on a 60HDMEA is only possible by the special
TiN electrode material and production process. This MEA type is especially useful for applications, where
a high spatial resolution is critical, for example, for multitrode analysis.
For example, the very high spatial resolution of the high density MEAs is very useful for recording from
retina ganglia cells. The double recording field can also be used for coculturing two slices, each on one
recording field. The flat, round electrodes are made of titanium nitride (TiN).Tracks and contact pads are
made of transparent indium tin oxide (ITO); insulation material is silicon nitride.
60HDMEA30/10iR-ITO MEAs are available with internal reference electrode.
Using 60HDMEAs
The same material is used for standard MEAs and high density MEAs. Therefore, they are equally robust
and heat-stabilized. They can be autoclaved and coated with different procedures for cell and tissue
cultures.
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MEA Manual
4.4 Hexa MEA: 60HexaMEA
60HexaMEA-Ti, 60HexaMEA-ITO, 60HexaMEA40/10iR-ITO
Electrode layout for 60HexaMEA-Ti and 60HexaMEA-ITO.
Electrode layout for 60HexaMEA40/10iR-ITO.
HexaMEAs feature a hexagonal layout, perfect for recording from retina.
The 60 electrodes of 60HexaMEA-Ti or 60HexaMEA-ITO are aligned in a special configuration with varying
electrode diameters (10, 20, 30 μm) and interelectrode distances (see upper pictures).The specific layout
resembles ideally the regularity of the retina's architecture. The density of neurons is more important in the
center than in the peripheral. This is matched by the density of electrodes on the MEA, which is also higher
in the center than in the peripheral.
The flat, round electrodes are made of titanium nitride (TiN).
Tracks are made of opaque Ti or transparent ITO, and contact pads are made of TiN or ITO.
The insulation material is silicon nitride.
Electrodes in the center have a diameter of 10 μm with an interelectrode distance of 20 μm, where
the peripheral electrodes have a diameter of 20 μm and 30 μm. This type of HexaMEA (60HexaMEA-Ti,
60HexaMEA-ITO ) provides no internal reference electrode.
The electrodes of 60HexaMEA40/10iR-ITO are configured with invariable interelectrode distance of 40 μm,
and with TiN electrodes of 10 μm diameter. They include a big internal reference electrode. The tracks and
contact pads are made of ITO.
Using 60HexaMEAs
The same material is used for standard MEAs and HexaMEAs. Therefore, they are equally robust and heatstabilized. They can be autoclaved and coated with different procedures for cell and tissue cultures.
16
4.5 Thin MEA: 60ThinMEA
60ThinMEA200/30iR-ITO, 60ThinMEA30/10iR-ITO
MEA Manual
60ThinMEAs are only 180 μm "thick", ideally suited for high-resolution imaging. 60ThinMEAs are like
standard MEAs, but the electrodes are embedded in a very thin and delicate glass substrate on a robust
ceramic carrier. The thin glass allows the use of oil immersion objectives with a high numerical aperture.
Like standard MEAs, 59 electrodes and one reference electrode are arranged in an 8 x 8 layout grid with
electrode diameters of 30 μm and interelectrode distances of 200 μm.
60ThinMEAs are also available in a double 5 x 6 layout grid with 10 μm TiN electrodes and 30 μm
interelectrode distance like the High Dense MEA (60ThinMEA30/10iR-ITO).
The flat, round electrodes are made of titanium nitride (TiN).
Tracks and contact pads are made of transparent ITO; insulation material is silicon nitride.
Using 60ThinMEAs
60ThinMEAs are heat-stabilized and can be autoclaved. They can also be coated with different procedures
for cell and tissue cultures.
They should be handled with great care because of the thin and delicate recording area.
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MEA Manual
4.6 Eco MEA: 60EcoMEA
60EcoMEA, 60EcoMEA-Glass
60EcoMEAs are available on opaque printed circuit board (PCB) and on transparent glass base (60EcoMEAGlass). They are low price variants for medium throughput applications like small screens where material
costs play a bigger role than in more scientific MEA applications.
60EcoMEAs are opaque and are therefore useful only for applications where you do not need a visual
control under a microscope, for example, for established cell cultures. 60EcoMEA-Glasses are transparent
all-purpose MEAs.
Due to the special production process on PCB, electrodes of 60EcoMEAs are available only with a diameter
of 100 μm and an interelectrode distance of 700 μm. The electrodes on 60EcoMEA-Glass also have
a diameter of 100 μm and a distance of 700 μm. Thus, 60EcoMEA or 60EcoMEA-Glass are useful for
applications where a high spatial resolution is not important, but which emphasize on low price
consumables. They have proven to be especially useful for recordings from established cardiomyocyte
cultures. They are not useful for establishing a new cell culture, as the cell performance cannot be
monitored. Multi Channel Systems recommends to use standard 200/30 MEAs for establishing the cell
culture first, then switch to 60EcoMEA or 60EcoMEA-Glass.
60EcoMEAs are provided in the typical 8 x 8 layout with internal reference electrode. Custom layouts
following your personal specifications are possible at very reasonable prices. Please ask your local retailer
for details. Electrodes, tracks, and contact pads are made of pure gold. Due to the soft gold material of the
contact pads, the contact to the amplifier pins is excellent. The insulation material on EcoMEA-Glass chips
is SU-8 (a photoresist, 1 - 2 μm)
Using 60EcoMEAs
Like standard MEAs, 60EcoMEAs are very robust and heat-stabilized. They can be autoclaved and coated
with different procedures for cell and tissue cultures. The gold electrodes are very robust, too, and are the
only MEA electrodes that will endure more severe cleaning methods.
New 60EcoMEAs are very hydrophobic. They should be coated with nitrocellulose or treated with a plasma
cleaner before use.
18
4.7 Stimulation MEA: 60StimMEA
60StimMEA200/30-Ti
MEA Manual
Stimulation MEAs are available in 8 x 8 standard MEA layout with additional 16 stimulation electrodes.
Eight pairs of the stimulation electrodes are big and square, the other eight pairs have the same size as
the recording electrodes (30 μm). For perfect use with the MEA1060 amplifiers is it necessary to connect
adapters: MEA-STIM-ADPT-INV-BC for MEA1060-Inv-BC amplifiers, MEA-STIM-ADPT-Up(BC) for MEA1060Up(BC) amplifiers.
Stimulation MEAs are useful, for example, for pacing cardiac tissues like hESCM (human embryonic stem
cells derived cardiac myocytes), that need higher voltages and durations than stimulation of neuronal
tissues. So, the use of larger stimulating electrodes is recommended.
Using 60StimMEAs
The same material is used for standard MEAs and 60StimMEAs. Therefore, they are equally robust and
heat-stabilized. They can be autoclaved and coated with different procedures for cell and tissue cultures.
19
MEA Manual
4.8 Perforated MEA: 60pMEA
60pMEA200/30iR-Ti 60pMEA100/30iR-Ti
Acute slice recordings on common glass MEAs are done from the cells at the bottom of the slice, which are
in contact with the MEA electrodes. These cells get less oxygen and nutrients from the perfusion medium,
and therefore are likely to give smaller signals and might eventually die first. Perforated MEAs present a
solution to this problem as they allow a perfusion of the tissue from both sides at the same time, thereby
optimizing the oxygen supply of the acute slice.
Perforated MEAs are identical in size and function to the regular MEAs. The recording electrodes are
arranged in 8 x 8 standard layout grid in 60pMEA200/30iR-Ti, and in 6 x 10 layout grid in
60pMEA100/30iR-Ti. The electrodes are integrated into a thin polyimide foil. This thin foil is fixed on
a ceramic or glass waver for mechanical stability. In the middle of the waver, under the electrode field,
there is a hole that makes it possible to access the electrode field from below. The area around the
electrodes is perforated to allow a perfusion of the tissue from both sides. The total area of the holes
averages 0.8 mm, the diameters of the holes varies between 20 μm and 90 μm.
These pMEAs are designed for use with MEA2100-System headstages with perfusion element (PE) and
MEA1060 amplifier equipped with a perfusion ground plate (PGP). The PE or PGP replaces the standard
ground plate of the headstage or MEA1060 amplifier. Please note that there are different types of the
MEA-PGPs for different amplifier types (MEA1060-UP-PGP, MEA1060-UP-BC-PGP, and MEA1060-INV /
INV-BC-PGP). Additional to the use of 60pMEAs together with the MEA2100-(2x)60-System, you can use
120pMEAs with MEA2100-120-System equipped with a perfusion element (PE) integrated in the ground
plate of the headstage.
For an overview of suggested configurations to work with 60pMEAs, see the MEA Application Note
“Acute Hippocampal Slices on pMEAs”.
Using 60pMEAs
Perforated MEAs have a robust ceramic carrier or they are mounted on glass as usual, but the electrodes
are embedded in polyimide foil. Therefore they are heat stable to 50 °C only, and cannot be autoclaved.
Please do not use an ultrasonic bath for cleaning.
20
4.9 Perforated MEAs for Use with MEA2100-32-System
and USB-MEA32-STIM4-System
pMEA-32S12-L1, pMEA-32S12-L2, pMEA-32S12-L3, pMEA-32S12-L4
pMEA-32S12-Lx
For the USB-MEA32-STIM4-System small perforated MEAs have been designed. Please see USB-MEA32STIM4 manual for detailed information. Additionally the MEA2100-32-System is adapted for these small
type of MEA. The pMEAs are different in size, but identical in function to the regular pMEAs. Layout 1
(pMEA-32S12-L1) of the perforated MEAs designed for the MEA2100-32- and for the USB-MEA32-
STIM4-System has been optimized for acute hippocampal slices.
MEA Manual
The flat, round electrodes are made of titanium nitride (TiN) with a diameter of 30 μm for the recording
electrodes, and 50 μm for the stimulation electrodes. The stimulation electrodes can not be used for
recording, and vice versa. The interelectrode distances vary from 150 to 200 μm. MEAs with titanium
nitride (TiN) electrodes are very stable. Therefore, the pMEA can be reused several times and is perfect for
long-time experiments (up to several weeks and even months). The electrode impedance ranges between
30 k and 50 k. Tracks and contact pads are made of titanium nitride (TiN), the insulation material is
polyimide, respectively.
The electrodes are integrated into a thin polyimide foil. This thin foil is fixed on a ceramic waver for
mechanical stability. In the middle of the waver, under the electrode field, there is a hole that makes it
possible to access the electrode field from below. The area around the electrodes is perforated to apply
suction to the slice from below. The total area of the holes averages 0.8 mm, the diameters of the holes
varies from 20 to 90 μm. Please read chapter "Working with the USB-MEA32-STIM4 Amplifier"
in USB-MEA32-STIM4 manual or “Setting up the MEA” in the MEA2100 manual.
Using pMEAs
Perforated MEAs have a robust ceramic carrier, but the electrodes are embedded in polyimide foil.
Therefore they are heat stable to 50 °C only, and cannot be autoclaved. Please do not use an ultrasonic
bath for cleaning.
21
MEA Manual
4.10 MEA with 6 Wells: 60-6wellMEA
60-6wellMEA200/30iR-Ti
60-6wellMEAs are MEA chips with six independent culture chambers, separated by a macrolon ring. Inside
each well, in between the marked two bars coming out of the circle in the middle of the MEA, there is a
field of nine electrodes with an internal reference electrode. The electrode in the center of the MEA is for
grounding.
60-6wellMEAs are developed, for example, for safety-pharmacological screenings of drug induced
QT-prolongation. Multi Channel System MCS GmbH provides a software solution for these experimental
intentions, the QT-Screen-Lite program. The 60-6wellMEA allows running six experiments with identical
surrounding conditions at once. Two types of macrolon rings are available: Rings with six triangular
chambers and rings with round chambers.
The electrodes of the 60-6wellMEA are from titanium nitride (TiN), the isolation is made up of Silicon nitride
(SiN). Contact pads are from titanium nitride (TiN), and tracks are from titanium (Ti). The diameter of the
electrodes is 30 μm, the distance from centre to centre is 200 μm.
Using 60-6wellMEAs
60-6wellMEAs can be used for a wide variety of applications. They are robust and heat-stabilized. They can
be autoclaved and coated with different procedures for cell and tissue cultures. Generally, they can be used
for acute experiments as well as long-term cultures.
22
4.11 256MEA for Use with USB-MEA256-System
256MEA30/8-ITO, 256MEA60/10iR-ITO, 256MEA100/30-ITO, 256MEA200/30-ITO, and 256ThinMEA
The 256MEAs have to be used with the USB-MEA256-System.
Please refer to the USB-MEA256-System manual for detailed information.
The 256MEA contains 252 recording, and four ground electrodes arranged in a 16 x 16 layout grid
embedded in a transparent glass substrate. The contact to the amplifier is provided by a double ring of
contact pads around the rim of the MEA. The standard material for MEAs is also used for 256MEAs: The
electrodes are from titanium nitride (TiN) with a silicon nitride (SiN) isolator, and contact pads and tracks
are made of transparent indium tin oxide (ITO).
The spacing of the electrodes in the 16 x16 grid averages 30, 60, 100 μm or 200 μm between the
electrodes. The electrode diameter of 30 μm results in an impedance of approximately 30 - 50 k. The
electrode diameter of 10 μm results in an impedance of approximately 250 - 400 k. The dimension of the
glass carrier is 49 x 49 x 1 mm as usual. 256MEAs are stable in a temperature range from 0 ° - 125 °C.
The 256MEA is only MEA type, which is rotationally symmetric.
256ThinMEAs are only 180 μm "thick", ideally suited for high-resolution imaging. 256ThinMEAs are like
standard MEAs, but the electrodes are embedded in a very thin and delicate glass substrate on a robust
ceramic carrier. The thin glass allows the use of oil immersion objectives with a high numerical aperture.
MEA Manual
Like 256MEAs, 252 electrodes are arranged in a 16 x 16 layout grid with electrode diameter of 30 μm,
and interelectrode distance of 200 μm (256ThinMEA200/30-ITO).
Using 256MEAs
The same material is used for standard MEAs and 256MEAs. Therefore, they are equally robust and heatstabilized. They can be autoclaved and coated with different procedures for cell and tissue cultures.
Using 256ThinMEAs
256ThinMEAs are heat-stabilized and can be autoclaved. They can also be coated with different procedures
for cell and tissue cultures. They should be handled with great care because of the thin and delicate
recording area.
23
MEA Manual
4.12 MEA with 6 Wells for Use with USB-MEA256-System
256-6wellMEA200/30iR-Ti
The 256-6wellMEA200/30iR-ITO has 256 electrodes and has to be used with the USB-MEA256-System.
Please refer to the USB-MEA256-System manual for detailed information.
The dimension of the glass carrier is 49 x 49 x 1 mm as usual. The MEAs with 6 wells are stable
in a temperature range from 0 ° - 125 °C.
The 256-6wellMEA contains 252 recording, 6 reference and four ground electrodes arranged in 6 electrode
blocks with a 6 x 7 layout grid for the recording electrodes. The reference electrode is around each block.
They are embedded in a transparent glass substrate. The contact to the amplifier is provided by a double
ring of contact pads around the rim of the MEA. The standard material for MEAs is also used for
256-6wellMEA: The electrodes are from titanium nitride (TiN) with a silicon nitride (SiN) isolator,
and contact pads and tracks are made of transparent indium tin oxide (ITO).
Using the 256-6wellMEA with macrolon ring, you have six separate culture chambers on one MEA,
for example, for drug application in a screening experiment.
The spacing between the recording electrodes in the 6 x 7 grid averages 200 μm between the electrodes.
The electrode diameter of 30 μm results in an impedance of approximately 30 - 50 k.
Using 256-6wellMEAs
The same material is used for standard MEAs and 256-6wellMEAs. Therefore, they are equally robust and
heat-stabilized. They can be autoclaved and coated with different procedures for cell and tissue cultures.
24
4.13 MEA with 9 Wells for Use with USB-MEA256-System
256-9wellMEA300/30iR-ITO
MEA Manual
The 256-9wellMEA300/30iR-ITO has 256 electrodes and has to be used with the USB-MEA256-System.
Please refer to the USB-MEA256-System manual for detailed information.
The dimension of the glass carrier is 49 x 49 x 1 mm as usual. The MEAs with 9 wells are stable
in a temperature range from 0 ° - 125 °C.
The 256-9wellMEA contains 234 recording, 18 stimulation or recording, and four ground electrodes
arranged in nine electrode blocks with a 6 x 5 layout grid for the recording electrodes, two stimulation
or recording electrodes, and one reference electrode per each block. They are embedded in a transparent
glass substrate. The contact to the amplifier is provided by a double ring of contact pads around the rim of
the MEA. The standard material for MEAs is also used for 256-9wellMEA: The electrodes are from titanium
nitride (TiN) with a silicon nitride (SiN) isolator, and contact pads and tracks are made of transparent indium
tin oxide (ITO).
Using the 256-9wellMEA with macrolon quadrate, you have nine separate culture chambers on one MEA,
for example, for drug application in a screening experiment.
The spacing between the recording electrodes in the 6 x 5 grid averages 300 μm between the electrodes.
The electrode diameter of 30 μm results in an impedance of approximately 30 - 50 k. The dimension of
the square stimulation electrode is 50 x 200 μm.
Using 256-9wellMEAs
The same material is used for standard MEAs and 256-9wellMEAs. Therefore, they are equally robust and
heat-stabilized. They can be autoclaved and coated with different procedures for cell and tissue cultures.
25
MEA Manual
4.14 120MEA with for Use with MEA2100-120-System
120MEA200/30iR-Ti, 120MEA100/30iR-Ti, 120pMEA200/30iR-Ti
120MEA200/30iR-Ti 120pMEA200/30iR-Ti (electrode field with perforation)
The 120MEA200/30iR-Ti has 120 electrodes and can only be used with the MEA2100-System connected
to a headstage HS120 with 120 electrodes. Please refer to the MEA2100-System manual for detailed
information.
The dimension of the glass carrier is 49 x 49 x 1 mm as usual. The MEAs with 120 electrodes are stable
in a temperature range from 0 ° - 125 °C.
The 120MEA200/30iR-Ti contains 120 recording, four reference and four ground electrodes arranged in
a 12 x 12 layout grid. They are embedded in a transparent glass substrate. The contact to the amplifier is
provided by a double ring of contact pads around the rim of the MEA. The standard material for MEAs is
also used for 120MEA200/30iR-Ti: The electrodes are from titanium nitride (TiN) with a silicon nitride (SiN)
isolator, and contact pads and tracks are made of titanium nitride (TiN).
The spacing between the recording electrodes in the 12 x 12 grid averages 100 or 200 μm between
the electrodes. The electrode diameter of 30 μm results in an impedance of approximately 30 - 50 k.
This MEA is also available as perforated 120pMEA200/30iR-Ti. The electrodes are from Titan Gold Titan,
all other MEA parameters are the same. The inner diameter around the electrodes of 3 to 4 mm
2
is perforated and the total area of holes is 12 % of these area.
Using 120MEAs
The same material is used for standard MEAs and 120MEA200/30iR-Ti and 120MEA100/30iR-Ti. Therefore,
they are equally robust and heat-stabilized. They can be autoclaved and coated with different procedures
for cell and tissue cultures.
Using 120pMEA200/30iR-Ti
Perforated MEAs have a glass carrier, but the electrodes are embedded in polyimide foil. Therefore they
are heat stable to 50 °C only, and cannot be autoclaved. Please do not use an ultrasonic bath for cleaning.
26
4.15 Quadrant MEA: 60-4QMEA1000
60-4QMEA1000iR-Ti
The 60-4QMEA1000 has 60 electrodes organized in four quadrants (13 electrodes each) with a center line
(7 electrodes). The electrode diameter is 30 μm, and the interelectrode distance varies: Inside the quadrants
the distance is 200 μm, from quadrant to quadrant the distance is 1000 μm, and to the center line it is
500 μm.
MEA Manual
The 60-4QMEA1000 is available with an internal reference electrode.
The flat, round electrodes are made of titanium nitride (TiN). MEAs with TiN electrodes are very stable.
Therefore, the MEAs can be reused several times and are perfect for long-time experiments (up to several
weeks and even months). The electrode impedance ranges between 30 k and 50 k
Tracks are made of titanium (Ti) and contact pads are made of titanium nitride (TiN); insulation material
is silicon nitride (SiN).
Using 60-4QMEA1000
The 60-4QMEA1000 can be used for a wide variety of applications. They are robust and heat-stabilized.
They can be autoclaved and coated with different procedures for cell and tissue cultures. Generally,
they can be used for acute experiments as well as long-term cultures.
27
MEA Manual
4.16 Square MEA: 60SquareMEA
60SquareMEA200/50iR-Ti
60SquareMEAs have 60 electrodes in an 8 x 8 layout grid with square electrode of 50 x 50 μm size and
interelectrode distances of 200 μm. They are available with an internal reference electrode. You can
connect the internal reference electrode directly to the amplifier's ground and will not need silver pellets
for grounding the bath anymore.
The flat, square electrodes are made of titanium nitride (TiN). The electrode size of 50 x 50 μm guarantees
very low noise. MEAs with TiN electrodes are very stable. Therefore, the MEAs can be reused several times
and are perfect for long-time experiments (up to several weeks and even months). The electrode impedance
ranges about 30 k
Tracks are made of titanium (Ti) and contact pads are made of titanium nitride (TiN); insulation material
is silicon nitride.
Important: MEAs are not symmetrical! That is, why the writing (for example NMI, LEITER, MEA type) on
the MEA chip should be on the right side viewed from the front, with the sockets of the amplifier in the
back. MEAs with one big internal reference electrode should be placed with reference electrode to the left
side in the amplifier. Otherwise, the MEA layout will not match with the pin layout of the channel map in
MC_Rack.
Using 60SquareMEAs
MEAs with square electrodes can be used for a wide variety of applications. They are robust and heatstabilized. They can be autoclaved and coated with different procedures for cell and tissue cultures.
Generally, they can be used for acute experiments as well as long-term cultures.
28
4.17 PEDOT-CNT MEAs: 60PedotMEA
60PedotMEA200/30iR-Au
Carbon nanotube stucture of PEDOT electrodes.
MEA Manual
60PedotMEAs have - like standard MEAs - 59 electrodes and one reference electrode that are arranged
in an 8 x 8 layout grid with electrode diameters of 30 μm and interelectrode distances of 200 μm.
The flat, round electrodes are made of PEDOT-CNT carbon nanotube – poly 3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene.
Contact pads and track material is made of titanium nitride (TiN) covered by a layer of gold (Au).
The insulation material is silicon nitride.
This type of MEA is characterized by very low impedance values of approximately 20 k.They are ideal
for stimulation and have excellent biocompatibility and cell adhesion.
Important: MEAs are not symmetrical! That is, why the writing (for example NMI, LEITER, MEA type) on
the MEA chip should be on the right side viewed from the front, with the sockets of the amplifier in the
back. MEAs with one big internal reference electrode should be placed with reference electrode to the left
side in the amplifier. Otherwise, the MEA layout will not match with the pin layout of the channel map in
MC_Rack.
Using 60PedotMEAs
MEAs with PEDOT-CNT electrodes can be used for a wide variety of applications. They are robust and
heat-stabilized. They can be autoclaved and coated with different procedures for cell and tissue cultures.
Generally, they can be used for acute experiments as well as long-term cultures.
29
MEA Manual
4.18 FlexMEA
FlexMEAs are made of flexible polyimide foil, perfect for in vivo and specific in vitro applications.
Only 12 μm "thick" and weighing less than 1 g, the FlexMEA biosensor is very thin and light weight.
The FlexMEAs are available with 32 (64) recording electrodes plus two (four) indifferent reference
electrodes and two (four) ground electrodes in a 6 x 6 (8 x 9) electrodes grid. More layouts can be
provided on request. The flexible base is perforated for a better contact with the surrounding tissue.
The electrodes are from titanium nitride (TiN), contact pads and track material from pure gold.
FlexMEAs are stable at a temperature range from 10 °C to 125 °C and can be autoclaved.
Using FlexMEAs
Warning: Do not use an ultrasonic bath for cleaning. The manufacturer recommends sterilization
by rinsing with alcohol.
FlexMEAs are usually connected to a head stage preamplifier that is connected to a filter amplifier
or programmable gain amplifier (see also the ME-System product line of Multi Channel Systems).
Via provided adapters FlexMEAs can be connected to 32-channel miniature preamplifiers MPA32I
from Multi Channel Systems for in vivo experiments. There is no need for an adapter if the FlexMEA
should be connected to the 32-channel miniature preamplifier MPA32I-Flex.
30
MEA Manual
FlexMEA36
The FlexMEA36 has 32 recording electrodes plus two internal reference electrodes and two ground
electrodes in a 6 x 6 electrodes grid. The titanium nitride electrodes have a diameter of 30 μm, and
the distance between the electrodes is 300 μm. The polyimide foil is perforated with holes of 30 μm
diameter, ensuring optimal tissue contact.
When using the FlexMEA36 together with a standard 32-channel miniature preamplifier MPA32I,
you need the ADPT-FM-32 adapter to connect the FlexMEA36 to the standard MPA32I. There is no
need for an adapter if you use the FlexMEA36 specified 32-channel miniature preamplifier MPA32I-Flex.
Please read the data sheet FlexMEA36, and the MPA32I (-Flex) manual for more information.
FlexMEA72
The FlexMEA72 has 64 recording electrodes plus four internal reference electrodes and four ground
electrodes in a 8 x 9 electrodes grid. The titanium nitride electrodes have a diameter of 100 μm, and
the distance between the electrodes is either 625 μm or 750 μm. The polyimide foil is perforated with
holes of 100 μm diameter, ensuring optimal tissue contact.
When using the FlexMEA72 together with two standard 32-channel miniature preamplifier MPA32I,
you need the ADPT-FM-72 adapter to connect the FlexMEA72 to two standard MPA32Is. Please read
the data sheet FlexMEA72 or ADPT-FM-72, and the MPA32I manual for more information.
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MEA Manual
4.19 EcoFlexMEA
EcoFlexMEAs are made of flexible polyimide (Kapton). They are less flexible as FlexMEAs, but therefore
more robust in handling and sterilization. With a thickness of 50 μm and low weight the EcoFlexMEA
is perfect for in vivo and specific in vitro applications, respectively.
The EcoFlexMEA is available with 24 or 36 electrodes, two internal reference electrodes, and two ground
electrodes. Custom layouts can be provided on request.
The electrodes, contact pads and track material are made of pure gold. EcoFlexMEAs are stable
at a temperature range from 0 °C to 125 °C and can be autoclaved.
The EcoFlexMEA can directly be connected to a standard 32-channel miniature preamplifier MPA32I,
you do not need an adapter. An additional connector on the side of the EcoFlexMEA36 can be used for
connecting a silver pellet or a silver wire for grounding the bath. Please read the data sheet EcoFlexMEA,
and the MPA32I manual for more information.
Using EcoFlexMEAs
EcoFlexMEAs are usually connected to a head stage preamplifier that is connected to a filter amplifier or
programmable gain amplifier (see also the ME-System product line of Multi Channel Systems). EcoFlexMEAs
can be directly connected to a 32-channel miniature preamplifier from Multi Channel Systems for in vivo
experiments.
32
MEA Manual
EcoFlexMEA36
The EcoFlexMEA36 has 32 recording electrodes, two internal reference electrodes, and two ground
electrodes in a 6 x 6 electrode grid. The recording electrodes have a diameter of 50 μm, the distance
between the electrodes from center to center is 300 μm. The electrodes, contact pads and track material
are made of pure gold. EcoFlexMEA36 is stable at a temperature range from 0 °C to 125 °C and can be
autoclaved.
The EcoFlexMEA36 can directly be connected to a standard 32-channel miniature preamplifier MPA32I,
you do not need an adapter. The connector on the right side of the MEA (see picture) can be used for
connecting a silver pellet or a silver wire for grounding the bath. Please read the data sheet EcoFlexMEA36,
and the MPA32I manual for more information.
EcoFlexMEA24
The EcoFlexMEA24 has 24 recording electrodes, two internal reference electrodes, and two ground
electrodes in a 2 x 10 + 4 electrode grid. The recording electrodes have a diameter of 80 μm, the distance
between the electrodes from center to center is 300 μm. The electrodes, contact pads and track material
are made of pure gold. EcoFlexMEA36 is stable at a temperature range from 0 °C to 125 °C and can be
autoclaved.
The EcoFlexMEA36 can directly be connected to a standard 32-channel miniature preamplifier MPA32I,
you do not need an adapter. Please read the data sheet EcoFlexMEA24, and the MPA32I manual for more
information.
33
MEA Manual
4.20 MEA Signal Generator: 60MEA-SG
60MEA-SG
The 60MEA-Signal Generator is a convenient tool for MEA-Systems first time users. It can replace a MEA
for learning and / or teaching purposes. The device has the same dimensions and contact pad layout as a
60-channel MEA chip, and is compatible with all MEA1060 amplifier types and with the MEA2100-System
with 60-channel headstage, MEA2100-HS60 or MEA2100-HS2x60.
The MEA-SG produces sine waves, or replays a variety of biological signals. These signals are fed into
the MEA amplifier as analog signals. With this artificial data, you are able to test the functionality of the
hardware and software system, without the need for a biological sample on a real MEA. Please use the
256MEA-SG for the USB-MEA256-System and the 120MEA-SG for MEA2100-System connected to a
headstage with 120 channels, the MEA2100-HS120.
256MEA-SG 120MEA-SG
For FlexMEAs, connected to ME-Systems and for wireless headstages, connected to the Wireless-System
you can use a specially adapted signal generator ME/W-SG.
ME/W-SG
34
5 MEA Handling
Warning: If possible, use only liquids or cleaning solutions with a neutral pH = 7 on MEAs. Do not
expose MEAs with a silicon nitride insulation or TiN electrodes to basic liquids (pH > 7) or aggressive
detergents for a longer period of time. Basic or aggressive liquids may damage TiN electrodes
irreversibly.
Warning: It is absolutely necessary to rinse the MEAs thoroughly with distilled water after treatment
with detergent, particular when using Terg-A-Zym before heat sterilization (dry heat sterilization
is not recommended). Otherwise the potential rests of the detergent may burn into the glass carrier
of the MEA and may destroy the electrodes.
Warning: Do not touch the electrode field in any way during the coating or cleaning procedure.
Keep all instruments, tissues, pipette tips, and similar at a safe distance from the recording area.
The electrodes are easily damaged (except EcoMEA electrodes).
5.1 Hydrophilic Surface Treatment
The surface of new MEAs is hydrophobic, and even hydrophilic MEAs tend to become hydrophobic again
during storage. A hydrophobic surface prevents attachment and growth of the (hydrophilic) cells. The first
step in preparing a MEA for use is therefore to ensure that the surface is hydrophilic enough for coating
and cell adhesion.
MEA Manual
To test this without contaminating the surface, place a small drop of water on the MEA surface outside the
culture chamber. If the drop does not wet the surface, you likely need to perform one of the following
steps, in particular when using new arrays.
Literature
Ulrich Egert, Thomas Meyer (2004); Heart on a Chip — Extracellular multielectrode recordings from cardiac
myocytes in vitro, "Methods in Cardiovascular Research", S. Dhein and M. Delmar (eds.)
5.1.1 Plasma Cleaning
Laboratories with access to electron microscopy facilities are likely to have a sputter device or a plasmacleaning chamber (for example Plasma Technology, Herrenberg, Germany or PDC-32G from Harrick Plasma,
Ithaca, NY, United States). MEAs can be treated in these chambers with low vacuum plasma for about two
minutes. The MEA surface is exposed to a gas plasma discharge, which will make the surface polar and
thus more hydrophilic. The treatment gives a very clean and sterile surface that can be coated readily with
water-soluble molecules. Note that the effect wears off after a few days.
5.1.2 Protein Coating
If protein coating is acceptable in the planned experiments, there is another quick and simple way to render
the surface hydrophilic.
1. Sterilize the MEAs as described below.
2. Place approximately 1 ml of a concentrated, sterile protein solution (for example, albumin, fetal calf serum
or similar) onto the culture region for about 30 min.
3. Wash the culture chamber thoroughly with sterile water afterwards. The MEA can then be directly used for
cell culture.
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MEA Manual
5.1.3 Preculturing
Another pragmatic method is to coat the hydrophobic MEAs and to plate the cell cultures on the MEA, and
let it grow for some days (up to weeks) until the cells have transformed the surface so that it is sufficiently
hydrophilic. The “preculture” will generally show very bad growth and viability, and needs to be discarded
before plating the culture that will be used for experiments.
Please note that the MEA and the electrode performance may suffer under cell culturing. Therefore,
the above-mentioned methods are preferable.
5.2 Sterilization
Sterilization of MEAs is not necessary for acute slices.
Glass MEAs with TiN electrodes and EcoMEAs with gold electrodes can be sterilized with standard methods
for cell culture materials using either rinsing with 70 % alcohol, UV-light (about half an hour depending
on the intensity), vapor autoclavation, or dry-heat sterilization up to a temperature maximum of
125 °C.
Warning: Do not autoclave or sterilize perforated MEAs by heat. These MEA types are not thermoresistant, and will be irreversibly damaged.
5.2.1 Sterilization with Ethanol and UV Light
Rinse MEAs with 70 % ethanol. Do not immerse the MEA into the alcohol for a longer time otherwise
the ring on the MEA will probably get off.
Let MEAs air-dry over night on a sterile workbench (laminar flow hood) with UV light turned on.
5.2.2 Steam Sterilization (Autoclavation)
Autoclave MEAs at 125 °C for 15 min.
5.2.3 Dry-Heat Sterilization
Dry-heat sterilization is possible if a stream autoclave is not available, which is the better choice.
Please clean the MEA thoroughly with distilled water before using the oven, otherwise potential
rests of any material may burn into the glass carrier of the MEA and may destroy the electrodes.
Thermally sterilize MEAs in an oven at 121 °C for 15 min.
Thermally sterilize FlexMEAs in an oven at 121 °C for 15 min.
Thermally sterilize pMEAs in an oven at 50 °C for 2 hours.
5.2.4 Sterilization with Hot Water
Expose MEAs to hot water (90 °C) for 1 min.
36
5.3 MEA Storage
To maintain a hydrophilic surface after hydrophilization, it is recommended to store the MEAs filled
with water until use. Dry MEAs will get hydrophobic again after some time.
Store MEAs filled with sterile distilled water at 4 °C in the dark (that is, in the fridge, to prevent
microbiological contaminations) to maintain a hydrophilic surface.
5.4 MEA Coating
Coating of MEAs with various materials is used for improving the attachment and growth of cell cultures
or cultured slices. Coating is generally not required for recordings from acute slices.
Coating of MEAs has the same purpose than coating of other culture dishes. Therefore, you can generally
use the same standard protocols that you have established for coating culture dishes for your cell cultures,
provided that the involved chemicals are not aggressive and damage the electrodes (see recommendations
for the various MEA types).
In the following, some standard coating procedures are shortly described. You should try out which coating
procedure proves best for your application. The listed materials are only recommendations; you may use
any equivalent equipment. Most coatings are stable for several uses of the MEA and do not have to be
removed after use (except nitrocellulose).
MEA Manual
Please note that the materials and procedures described in the following are only a summary of published
information from other sources (see references) or from personal communications with MEA users, and has
the intention of helping users finding the appropriate information for setting up their experiments. Multi
Channel Systems MCS GmbH has not tested or verified this information, and therefore cannot guarantee
that the information is correct. Please refer to the referenced literature for planning and executing any
experiments.
5.4.1 Coating with Nitrocellulose
Coating with nitrocellulose is a fast procedure that works with several cell types and tissues and that
is also successful with slightly hydrophobic MEAs. This method has the advantage that the cells stick well
to the surface. Nitrocellulose does not form a uniform layer on the MEA. The coating leaves patches of
nitrocellulose, which serve as a glue for the tissue, on the MEA surface. The tissue is not likely to get
detached even under severe mechanical disturbance (by perfusion, for example). MEAs coated with
nitrocellulose can be stored for a few days. Nitrocellulose coating has to be removed after use.
Main advantages of this method are that nitrocellulose is cheap, coating is fast and easy,
and it is also easily removed after use.
Note: Nitrocellulose solutions cannot be stored for a longer period of time. The solution forms a visible
gelatinous precipitate after extended storage of at least half a year and will not produce satisfactory
adhesive coatings anymore. Prepare a fresh solution if there are visible precipitates.
Materials
Protran or other standard nitrocellulose membrane (Whatman, PerkinElmer)
100 % Methanol (Carl Roth GmbH + Co. KG, UN-No. 1230)
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MEA Manual
Nitrocellulose solution
2
For preparing a stock solution, dissolve a piece of 1 cm
nitrocellulose membrane in 10 ml methanol.
Stock solutions may be stored at room temperature in polystyrene tubes. For the working solution, dilute
the stock solution 10 : 1 with methanol. You can adjust the concentration to meet your requirements.
Procedure
1. Directly before use, pipette 3 – 5 μl of the working solution onto the recording field. The recording field
should be completely covered.
2. Remove the coating solution and let the MEA air-dry. It takes just a few seconds for the methanol
to evaporate.
Literature
Ulrich Egert, Thomas Meyer (2004); Heart on a Chip — Extracellular multielectrode recordings from cardiac
myocytes in vitro, "Methods in Cardiovascular Research", S. Dhein and M. Delmar (eds.)
5.4.2 Coating with Polyethyleneimine (PEI) plus Laminin
Polyethyleneimine (PEI) has been successfully employed for dissociated cell cultures and proven to enhance
cell maturation in culture compared to polylysine coated plates. Polyethyleneimine is a positively charged
polymer and thus changes the charge on the glass surface from negative to positive. The tissue sticks even
better with this method than with the nitrocellulose method, but the polyethylenimine forms a uniform
layer that can get more easily detached from the surface, for example, by the perfusion. This coating
method can optionally be combined with laminin.
Materials
Poly(ethyleneimine) solution (PEI) (Sigma-Aldrich, Inc., P3143)
Boric acid, crystalline (Fisher Scientific, A73-500)
Borax (sodium tetraborate) (Sigma-Aldrich, Inc., B0127)
1 N HCl
Laminin, 1mg/ml (Sigma-Aldrich, Inc., L2020)
Borate buffer
3.10 g boric acid
4.75 g borax
Dissolve in 1l distilled water at 80 °C.
Adjust pH to 8.4 with 1 N HCl.
38
PEI stock solution
0.05 – 0.1 % PEI dissolved in borate buffer.
Laminin solution
20 μg/ml laminin in plating medium.
Procedure
Note: It is necessary to thoroughly rinse off unbound PEI from the plates before use,
as dried PEI is toxic.
1. Pipette 500 μl PEI solution onto the MEA. The recording field should be completely covered.
2. Incubate at RT for 1 h, or at 4 °C over night.
3. Remove the PEI solution and thoroughly rinse 4 x with distilled water.
4. Air-dry the MEA.
MEA Manual
5. Sterilize with UV light for at least 1 h after coating.
6. (Place a drop of sterile laminin solution onto the MEA and incubate for 30 min. Aspirate, do not rinse,
and directly seed your cells. Alternatively, mix the cells with laminin solution before plating.)
Literature
Ulrich Egert, Thomas Meyer (2004); Heart on a Chip — Extracellular multielectrode recordings from
cardiac myocytes in vitro, "Methods in Cardiovascular Research", S. Dhein and M. Delmar (eds.)
Lelong, IH, et al. (1992); J. Neurosci. Res. 32:562-568
5.4.3 Coating with Polyornithine (plus Laminin)
Poly-D-lysine can be used as an alternative for polyornithine.
Materials
Polyornithine
Laminin, 1mg/ml (Sigma-Aldrich, Inc., L2020)
Polyornithine solution
500 μg/ml polyornithine in distilled water
Laminin solution
5 μg/ml laminin in plating medium or PBS (phosphate buffered saline).
39
MEA Manual
Procedure
1. Incubate the MEA with polyornithine solution at RT for 2 – 3 hours or overnight at 4 °C.
2. Aspirate the polyornithine solution and rinse the MEA 3 x with distilled water before direct use or before
the following coating with laminin. MEAs coated with polyornithine can be stored at 4 C for several
weeks.
3. Incubate pre-coated MEA with laminin solution for at least 1 h.
4. Aspirate the laminin solution and directly plate cells.
Literature
Cellular Neurobiology, A practical approach, ed. By Chad and Wheal, IRL Press, Oxford
5.4.4 Coating with Poly-D-Lysine (plus Laminin)
Poly-D-lysine has been used by several groups. Results seem to be equivalent to a coating with
polyornithine. Some users complained about cell clumping and resulting cell death when using
poly-D-lysine and had better results when using polyethylenimine (PEI).
Materials
Poly-D-lysine 5 mg / 10 mL (= 0.05 % w/v) stock solution (Sigma-Aldrich, Inc., P7280)
Laminin solution 1 mg/ml (Sigma-Aldrich, Inc., L2020)
Laminin solution
20 μg/ml laminin in plating medium or PBS (phosphate buffered saline).
Procedure
1. Incubate the MEA with poly-D-lysine solution and incubate at 4 °C over night.
2. Rinse MEA with sterile distilled water 3x to remove toxic unbound lysine and let the MEAs air dry under
sterile conditions (laminar flow) before plating the cells, or before the following coating with laminin.
MEAs can be stored at 4 °C for up to two weeks.
3. Incubate pre-coated MEA with laminin solution at 4 °C over night.
4. Aspirate the laminin solution and directly plate the cells.
Literature
Goslin et al., 1988, Nature 336, 672-674
Maeda et al., 1995, J.Neurosci. 15, 6834-6845
Gross et al., 1997, Biosensors & Bioelectronics 12, 373-393
40
MEA Manual
5.4.5 Coating with Poly-D-Lysine (plus Fibronectin)
This coating method is used, for example, for culturing dissociated suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) neurons
(on standard 60MEA200/30). It is very stable and therefore especially useful for long-term cultures.
Materials
Poly-D-lysine 5 mg / 10 mL (= 0.05 % w/v) stock solution (Sigma-Aldrich, Inc., P7280)
Fibronectin (BD BioCoat™ Fibronectin Cellware) (BD Biosciences)
Fibronectin solution
Prepare a stock solution of 25 μg/ml fibronectin in distilled water or PBS (phosphate buffered saline) and
store it at 4 °C.
Poly-D-Lysine plus fibronectin solution
Prepare a 0.01 % (w/v) poly-D-lysine solution, and add fibronectin 1 : 1 (resulting in a final concentration
of 12.5 μg/ml).
Procedure
1. Pipette 10 μl of the poly-D-lysine plus fibronectin solution onto the recording field. Pipette about 50 μl
of sterile distilled water near the rim of the culture chamber.
2. Incubate for 1 h in an incubator set to 35 °C, 65 % relative humidity, 9 % O
100 % humidity, 5 % CO
. To avoid a dry out of the liquid, place the MEA in a big Petri dish with lid on.
2
, 5 % CO2 ; or 37 °C,
2
3. Rinse 2 x with sterile distilled water.
4. Let MEAs air-dry over night on a sterile workbench (laminar flow) with UV light turned on.
5.4.6 Coating with Fibronectin
Fibronectin is a more biological coating alternative, especially used for heart tissues. The adhesion tends
to be very stable, which allows longer cultivation times.
Materials
Fibronectin (BD BioCoat™ Fibronectin Cellware) (BD Biosciences)
Fibronectin solution
Prepare a stock solution of 1 mg/ml fibronectin in distilled water or PBS (phosphate buffered saline) and
store it at 4 °C. The stock solution is diluted with water or PBS to a final concentration of 10 μg/ml before
use.
41
MEA Manual
Procedure
1. Cover the MEA surface with 300 μl fibronectin solution and incubate the MEA at 37 °C
for at least 1 h.
2. Aspirate the solution and rinse the MEA 2 x with PBS (phosphate buffered saline).
3. Plate the cells onto the MEA immediately after coating.
Literature
Ulrich Egert, Thomas Meyer (2004); Heart on a Chip — Extracellular multielectrode recordings from
cardiac myocytes in vitro, "Methods in Cardiovascular Research", S. Dhein and M. Delmar (eds.)
5.4.7 Coating with Collagen
Coating with collagen is useful for short-term cultures. It tends to detach from the surface if used
for long-term cultures.
Materials
DMEM Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Media (DMEM) / F12 (Gibco/Invitrogen, 21331-020)
N Hydrochloric acid, pH 3.0
Acid-soluble type I collagen solution (3 mg/ml, pH 3.0) Cellmatrix Type I-A (Nitta Gelatin Inc.)
Preparation buffer
200 mM HEPES in 0.08 N NaOH
Collagen solution
Add 1 ml of 10 x DMEM/F-12 medium to 8 ml Cellmatrix Type I-A and stir gently.
Add 1 ml of preparation buffer and stir gently.
Incubate the mixture at 4 °C for 30 min to remove any air bubbles, if necessary.
Store at 4 °C until use.
Procedure
1. Sterilize the MEA before the coating with collagen and perform all following steps under sterile
conditions.
2. Incubate the MEA at 4 °C for at least 1h.
3. Fill the MEA with collagen solution until the bottom of the culture chamber is completely covered.
Immediately remove the collagen solution with a glass pipette. The solution can be reused.
4. Incubate the MEA in a CO
MEA with culture medium and keep it sterile in a CO
incubator for 30 min. Rinse the MEA with sterile distilled water. Fill the
2
incubator until use (for up to one week).
2
Check for contaminations before use.
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MEA Manual
5.5 Cleaning of used MEAs
5.5.1 General Recommendations for Cleaning MEAs
The cleaning procedure depends on the kind of coating and on the kind of biological preparation. In the
following, a few general considerations are listed.
If you have recorded from an acute slice without coating, you can simply rinse the MEA with distilled water
and the MEA should be fine.
If necessary, the MEA can then be cleaned with any cleaning agent, for example, a standard dish-washing
detergent. When cleaning coated MEAs, parts of the coating may go off. You have to recoat a MEA when
the coating is not sufficient anymore, that is, when you observe problems with cell attachment or
recording.
If more severe methods are needed, the MEA can also be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath for a short moment.
But this method is a bit dangerous, because there are ultrasonic baths that are too strong and will destroy
the MEA. The behavior should be tested with an older MEA first. Generally is using an ultrasonic bath not
recommended.
EcoMEAs are easier to clean, because the golden electrodes are not so easily damaged.
5.5.2 Cleaning of pMEAs
Perforated MEAs have a robust ceramic or glass carrier, but the electrodes are embedded in polyimide foil.
Therefore, they are heat stable to 50 °C only and cannot be autoclaved.
Please do not use ultrasonic bath for pMEAs!
Rinse with distilled water first, then apply 1% Terg-A-Zyme solution (Sigma) for several hours. Rinse the
pMEA again with distilled water and dry them directly before use. Sterilization via rinsing with 70 %
ethanol is possible. Do not immerse the pMEA into the alcohol for a longer time otherwise the ring may
probably get off!
5.5.3 Cleaning of EcoMEAs
The gold electrodes of EcoMEAs are very robust and are the only MEA electrodes that will endure more
severe cleaning methods. You can check the need for cleaning under a stereo microscope: The electrodes
should be shiny and look golden. If they are gray, or if they show a film, you should clean them.
Carefully clean the electrodes with a swab and distilled water under microscopic control.
5.5.4 Cleaning of EcoFlexMEAs
EcoFlexMEAs made of polyimide (Kapton) have a temperature range from 0 – 125 °C. They can be sterilized
by autoclavation.
If necessary, carefully clean the electrodes with a swab and distilled water under microscopic control.
43
MEA Manual
5.5.5 Cleaning of FlexMEAs
FlexMEAs made of polyimide foil have a temperature range from 10 – 125 °C. They can be sterilized
by autoclavation.
Please do not use an ultrasonic bath for FlexMEAs!
Rinse with distilled water first, optional with ethanol 70%.
5.5.6 Removing Nitrocellulose Coating
Note: It is very important that you clean MEAs that have been coated with nitrocellulose and remove
all biological material first before removing the coating. If you applied methanol on an uncleaned MEA,
you would rather fix the cell debris on the MEA than actually remove the coating.
1. Directly after usage, biological material is rinsed off under running water and the MEA is cleaned with
pH-neutral cleaning agents or enzymatically if necessary.
2. Rinse the MEA 2 x with methanol. If nitrocellulose is not sufficiently removed by rinsing, incubate the
MEA filled with methanol for 15 to 30 min to dissolve the cellulose nitrate.
3. Rinse the MEA with distilled water.
5.5.7 MEA Cleaning with EDTA-Collagenase
Materials:
Collagenase Type I (Sigma-Aldrich, Inc., C0130)
0.5 mM EDTA
Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (Gibco/Invitrogen, 14190-144)
Collagenase solution:
Dissolve collagenase type I in PBS at 20 U/ml.
Method:
1. Fill the MEA culture chamber with 0.5 mM EDTA and incubate for 30 min.
2. Rinse the chamber 3 times with PBS.
3. Fill the MEA with collagenase solution and incubate for at least 30 min at 37 °C.
4. Discard the collagenase solution and rinse the MEA with distilled water at least 3 times.
5. Air dry the MEA, preferably under a laminar flow hood.
44
5.5.8 MEA Cleaning with Terg-A-Zyme
Materials:
Terg-A-Zyme (Sigma-Aldrich, Inc., Z273287)
Distilled water
Terg-A-Zyme solution:
Prepare a 1 % solution of Terg-A-Zyme in distilled water.
Method:
1. Place the MEA in 1 % Terg-A-Zyme solution overnight at room temperature.
2. Apply gentle shaking or rocking, if possible.
3. After Terg-a-Zyme treatment, rinse the MEA thoroughly with distilled water. (Terg-A-Zyme solution
can be stored at 4 °C and reused for about a week).
MEA Manual
4. Dry the MEA and apply hydrophilic surface treatment, if necessary (Please see above).
5. If the MEA is going to be used for cell or tissue culture, autoclave the MEA at 121 °C for 30 min.
6. Do not fix cells or tissues on a MEA. Detergent treatment will not remove fixed tissues.
Important: NEVER wipe the electrode field or touch it otherwise!
Warning: It is absolutely necessary to rinse the MEAs thoroughly with distilled water after treatment
with detergent, particularly when using Terg-A-Zyme before heat sterilization (dry-heat sterilization
is not recommended). Otherwise the potential rests of the detergent may burn into the glass carrier
of the MEA and may destroy the electrodes.
45
6 Culture Chamber and Ring Options
You have several options regarding culture chamber interface rings (without ring, glass ring, plastic ring
without and with thread) and culture chambers, which are especially useful for long-term cultures or
experiments. For more details or pricing information, please ask your local retailer.
6.1 MEA2100-CO2-C
The MEA2100-CO2-C is a climate chamber for MEA2100-Systems. Connect the chamber via magnetic
forces on the lid of a MEA2100 headstage to create a 5 % CO
around the biological probe. Connect a tube with an inner diameter of +/- 2.3 mm to the tube connector.
Recording with MEAs
2 atmosphere (humid or non humid)
6.2 Sealed MEA Culture Dish
In order to allow long-term cultivation and recording, Multi Channel Systems recommends the use of teflon
membranes (fluorinated ethylene-propylene, 12.5 microns thick) developed by Potter and DeMarse (2001).
The ALA-MEA-MEM membrane is produced in license by ALA Scientific Instruments Inc., and distributed via
the worldwide network of MCS distributors.
The sealed MEA culture chamber with transparent semipermeable membrane is suitable for all MEAs with
glass ring. A hydrophobic semipermeable membrane from Dupont that is selectively permeable to gases
(O
, CO2), but not to fluid and H2O vapor, keeps your culture clean and sterile, preventing contaminations
2
by airborne pathogens. It also greatly reduces evaporation and thus prevents a dry-out of the culture.
Reference
Reference: Potter, S. M. and DeMarse, T. B. (2001). "A new approach to neural cell culture for long-term
studies." J Neurosci Methods 110(1-2): 17-24.
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MEA Manual
6.3 MEA Culture Chamber with Lid
Another possibility is to use a MEA culture chamber with lid (available from Multi Channel Systems), which
is suitable for all MEAs with plastic ring and thread. It can be adapted by inserting metal perfusion cannulas
for setting up a continuous perfusion.
6.4 Culture Chamber for 9-Well MEAs
The culture chamber ring 9well-CC for 256-9wellMEAs is suitable for the 9well macrolon quadrat (available
from Multi Channel Systems). To use the macrolon quadrat in combination with the 9well-CC as a culture
chamber, please insert a foil between macrolon quadrat and 9well-CC ring.
9well-CC for 256-9wellMEA300/30iR-ITO
6.5 Culture Chamber for 6-Well MEAs
The 6well-CC culture chamber is suitable for 6well macrolon rings on 60-6wellMEAs (available from
Multi Channel Systems). The removable membrane cover for 60-6wellMEAs is available for triangle
and round chamber rings.
6well-CC
48
6.6 Ring Options
The following table shows all available ring options. Glass rings (-gr) are available in two heights
of 6 or 12 mm. Plastic rings (-pr) are available in four heights and without or with thread (-pr-T).
The triangle(-tcr) and round (-rcr) chamber rings are suitable for the 6 well MEAs, the macrolon
quadrates (-mq) for the 252-9wellMEAs.
Recording with MEAs
49
MEA Manual
7 Recording with MEAs
7.1 Mounting the MEA
7.1.1 Cleaning the Contact Pads
You should always clean the contact pads with alcohol before placing it into the MEA amplifier. Even
if you do not see any contaminations, a very thin grease layer from touching the pads with bare fingers,
for example may be present and results in a bad contact between the pads and the amplifier pins. A bad
contact will result in an increased noise level on the affected channel. This is the most prominent handling
error.
Carefully wipe the MEA contact pads with a clean and soft tissue moistened with pure alcohol.
7.1.2 Positioning the MEA
Important: MEAs are not symmetrical! That is, why the writing (for example NMI, LEITER, MEA type) on
the MEA chip should be on the right side viewed from the front, with the sockets of the amplifier in the
back. MEAs with one big internal reference electrode should be placed with reference electrode to the left
side in the amplifier. Otherwise, the MEA layout will not match with the pin layout of the channel map in
MC_Rack.
When placing a special MEA into the amplifier, for example 120MEA, HighDense MEA, 4Q1000 MEA
or HexaMEA, please make sure that the orientation of the MEA is correct, respectively.
7.1.3 Grounding the Bath
Make sure that the bath is connected to the amplifier's ground.
Attach the provided silver wire or Ag/AgCl pellet to the amplifier's ground and place it into the bath.
— OR — If you use a MEA with internal reference electrode, connect the ground to the reference electrode
socket (pin 15) with the provided connector.
Please see the manual of the respective MEA amplifier for more information about mounting MEAs and
grounding.
50
7.2 General Performance / Noise Level
You can test a MEA before use by filling it with a standard saline buffer, for example PBS (phosphate
buffered saline), and recording the noise level of the MEA and the amplifier.
MEA amplifiers have a maximum noise level of +/– 8 μV. The noise level on the MEA depends on the
electrode size and material. The smaller the electrode, the higher is the noise level. TiN electrodes have a
larger surface area due to their microfold structures, and therefore they have generally a lower impedance
and a lower noise level than electrodes of the same size that are made from other materials (for example,
Pt electrodes).
The total maximum noise level for a MEA and the amplifier should be about +/– 40 μV peak to peak
for 10 μm TiN electrodes and +/– 10 μV for 30 μm TiN electrodes.
The initial noise level may be higher if the MEAs are hydrophobic. New MEAs should be made hydrophilic
before use.
Typical noise level of a used standard 60MEA200/30iR-Ti (round 30 μm Tin electrodes)
Recording with MEAs
This picture shows the typical noise level of a standard 60MEA200/30iR-Ti on most electrodes,
recorded with a MEA1060-BC amplifier.
51
MEA Manual
Electrodes 43, 52, 53, and 84 show an increased noise level after a longer cycle of use. The bath was
grounded with the internal reference electrode 15. Time axis: 1000 ms, voltage axis: 50 μV. You should
ground some of the electrodes if you want to use this MEA for recording.
Same MEA, zoom to single channel # 22. Time axis: 500 ms, voltage axis: 20 μV.
Same MEA after grounding defective electrodes. Time axis: 1000 ms, voltage axis: 100 μV.
Typical noise level of a standard 60MEA200/10iR-Ti (round 10 μm Tin electrodes)
Noise level of a new standard 60MEA200/10iR-Ti. Bath grounded with the internal reference
electrode 15. Time axis: 1000 ms, voltage axis: 100 μV.
52
8 Stimulation
8.1 Using MEA Electrodes for Stimulation
You can use any MEA electrode(s) for stimulation. Simply connect the stimulus generator outputs to the
MEA amplifier. Please see the manual for the respective MEA amplifier and stimulus generator for more
details. As an alternative, you can also use special 60StimMEA with four pairs of large (250 x 50 μm)
stimulating electrodes and a special stimulation adapter, or target cells with an external electrode for
stimulation. This and the following chapters are intended for helping you to optimize the stimulation with
MEA electrodes.
All electrodes suffer under electrical stimulation, especially under long-term stimulation. The wear depends
on the stimulus and on the electrode type. When stimulating via MEA electrodes and with standard MEA
amplifiers, you will see a stimulus artifact on all amplifier channels during stimulation due to the high
charge that is injected into the circuit, and the following saturation of the filter amplifiers. The time
constant of the stimulus artifact depends on the amplifier bandwidth; if the lower cutoff frequency is quite
low, for example, 1 Hz, the stimulus artifact will be longer than with 10 Hz, for example. In most cases, it
will not be possible to record true signals that are close to the stimulus pulse. This can be avoided by using
a MEA amplifier with blanking circuit. The stimulating electrode can generally not be used for recording in
parallel to stimulation, because the injected charge is so high, and the time constant for discharging so low.
Stimulation
The screen shot shows a prominent stimulus artifact on all channels, followed by a response.
The stimulating electrode No. 61 has been grounded.
The next pictures demonstrate the blanking feature. On the left screen shot, you see the stimulus artifacts
on a non-stimulating electrode without blanking. On the right, you see the same electrode and stimulation
pattern, but with blanking. The stimulus artifacts have been completely avoided, making it possible to
detect signals shortly after the stimulus.
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MEA Manual
8.2 Capacitive Behavior of Stimulating Electrodes
Regarding the generally used stimulus pulses, stimulating electrodes behave as plate capacitors. The charge
cannot flow back to the stimulus generator due to the high output resistance and thus is kept in the
electrode. The electrode needs a quite long time to discharge itself after stimulation. As a result, stimulus
artifacts interfere with the recording, and electrodes deteriorate over time due to electrolysis. You can avoid
that by choosing an appropriate stimulus protocol that actively discharges the electrode after the pulse.
When using voltage driven stimulation, the electrodes are discharged when the voltage level is set to zero
at the end of the (monophasic) pulse. Not so in current mode. When applying a negative current pulse,
the electrode is charged and needs to be actively discharged by applying an inverted pulse with a matching
product of current and time, that is, you need to stimulate with biphasic pulses for current driven
stimulation to reduce both the stimulus artifact and to avoid an electrode damage. The easiest way is to use
the same signal amplitude and the same duration with an inverse polarity. For voltage driven stimulation,
monophasic pulses are fine.
The following illustration shows the effect of a biphasic current pulse on the discharge of the stimulating
electrode. As you can see, the first monophasic pulse is followed immediately by a pulse of the opposite
polarity and the same product of current and time.
54
8.3 Aspects of Electrode Size and Material
Titanium nitrite (TiN) electrodes are generally more robust than electrodes from other materials, for
example platinum (Pt). In the Appendix, you find safe charge injection limit curves that document maximum
current and stimulus durations for standard TiN electrodes. Please note that these curves document the
limits. Stimulus pulses should be kept safely below these limits. The safe charge injection limit of platinum
(0.4 mC/cm
you can inject into the electrode before faradic reactions occur that will lead to electrolysis of the electrode.
Please note that, when using voltage driven stimulation, the current flow to the electrode depends on the
electrode impedance. The lower the impedance, the higher is the current. Please make sure to obey the
safe charge injection limits always. Generally, TiN electrodes have lower impedances than Pt electrodes, and
larger electrodes also have lower impedances than smaller.
When using TiN electrodes, it is extremely important to not charge the electrodes positively, as this will
lead to electrolysis. (This is not an issue for Pt electrodes.) Therefore, when using voltage driven stimulation,
it is important to apply negative voltages only. Positive voltages will shortly charge the electrodes positively,
even though the electrode is discharged at the end of the pulse. As a consequence, biphasic voltage driven
stimulation is not recommended. When using current stimulation, it is required to use biphasic stimulation,
and to apply the negative phase first, to avoid a positive net charge on the electrode.
2
) is much smaller than for TiN (23 mC/cm2). This fact results in a considerably lower charge that
Stimulation
55
MEA Manual
8.4 Recommended Stimulus Amplitudes and Durations
The higher the amplitude and the longer the stimulus, the higher is the impact on the electrode
performance. Therefore, the amplitude and duration should be as low as possible. It is advisable to start
with a low amplitude and duration, and then increase it slowly until responses are evoked.
The allowed product of amplitude and duration is directly proportional to the electrode surface. The higher
the amplitude, the shorter is the maximum duration of the pulse, and vice versa. Do not apply pulses with
a higher amplitude or for a longer time than is recommended for the electrode type. TiN electrodes have
a rough surface structure and therefore have a larger surface than electrodes of the same size but made of
a different material. The safe-charge injection limits in the appendix describe the relationship between
maximum pulse amplitude and time for TiN electrodes.
As a consequence of the points discussed above, Multi Channel Systems recommends using negative
monophasic voltage pulses to make sure that the voltage level of the stimulating electrode is zero,
and thus the electrode is discharged, at the end of the pulse.
According to the experience of MEA users, voltage pulses should be < 1 V (–100 mV to –900 mV) for
neuronal applications to avoid damage to electrode and cells. Generally, pulse durations between 100 to
500 μs are used. (See also Potter, S. M., Wagenaar, D. A. and DeMarse, T. B. (2005). “Closing the Loop:
Stimulation Feedback Systems for Embodied MEA Cultures.” Advances in Network Electrophysiology Using
Multi-Electrode Arrays. M. Taketani and M. Baudry, Springer; Wagenaar, D. A., Madhavan, R., Pine, J. and
Potter, S. M. (2005). "Controlling bursting in cortical cultures with closed-loop multi-electrode stimulation."
J Neurosci 25(3): 680-8.)
For pacing cardiomyocytes, higher voltages and durations are generally required, for example, –2 V for
2 ms. As these pulses are not supported by standard MEA electrodes, the use of larger stimulating
electrodes is recommended. A special MEA with four pairs of large (250 x 50 μm) stimulating electrodes
(60StimMEA200/30) and a special stimulation adapter is provided for such applications by Multi Channel
Systems.
Warning: When using MEA electrodes of TiN material, use only negative voltages pulses or biphasic current
pulses applying the negative phase first. Always regard the safe-charge injection limits as described in
the appendix of this manual. Otherwise, electrodes can be irreversibly damaged by electrolysis.
56
9 Troubleshooting
9.1 About Troubleshooting
The following hints are provided to solve special problems that have been reported by users. Most problems
occur seldom and only under specific circumstances. Please check the mentioned possible causes carefully
when you have any trouble with the product. In most cases, it is only a minor problem that can be easily
avoided or solved.
If the problem persists, please contact your local retailer. The highly qualified staff will be glad to help you.
Please inform your local retailer as well if other problems that are not mentioned in this documentation
occur, even if you have solved the problem on your own. This helps other users, and it helps Multi Channel
Systems to optimize the instrument and the documentation.
Please pay attention to the safety and service information (chapter “Important Information and
Instructions”). Multi Channel Systems has put all effort into making the product fully stable and reliable,
but like all high-performance products, it has to be handled with care.
9.2 Technical Support
Troubleshooting
Please read the Troubleshooting part of the user manual first. Most problems are caused by minor handling
errors. Contact your local retailer immediately if the cause of trouble remains unclear. Please understand
that information on your hardware and software configuration is necessary
to analyze and finally solve the problem you encounter.
Please keep information on the following at hand
Description of the error (the error message text or any other useful information) and of the context in which
the error occurred. Try to remember all steps you had performed immediately before the error occurred.
The more information on the actual situation you can provide, the easier it is to track the problem.
The serial number of the MEA. You will find it on the MEA case.
The amplifier type and serial number. You will find it on the device.
The operating system and service pack number on the connected computer.
The hardware configuration (microprocessor, frequency, main memory, hard disk) of the connected
computer. This information is especially important if you have modified the computer or installed new hardor software recently.
The version of the recording software. On the “Help” menu, click “About” to display the software version.
57
MEA Manual
9.3 Noise on Single Electrodes
The noise level on single electrodes is significantly higher than expected or you see artifact signals.
In the following example (60MEA200/30, filled with PBS (phosphate buffered saline), silver pellet
as bath electrode, shielded), electrodes No. 53, 63, 73, 45, 55, 48, 58 show a high noise level.
Possible causes:
? The electrode or the contact pin of the amplifier may be defective. To test this, do the following.
1. Open the amplifier and turn the MEA by 90 degrees.
2. Close the amplifier again and start the recording.
If the same electrode in the MEA layout is affected, the amplifier's contact is not ok. If another electrode
is now affected and the previously affected electrode is ok now, the MEA electrode is not ok, but the
amplifier is fine. The following screen shot shows the same MEA than above that has been turned
clockwise by 90 degrees. You see that different channels are now affected, which indicates that the
amplifier is fine but some electrodes on the MEA are defective.
— OR —
Use the test model probe to test the amplifier. If the noise level is fine without the MEA, bad MEA
electrodes cannot be the cause.
58
Troubleshooting
MEA is defective
MEAs wear out after multiple uses or over a longer time of use, for example for long-term cultures.
This is considered a normal behavior. MEAs are also easily damaged by mishandling, for example
if wrong cleaning solutions or too severe cleaning methods are used or if the recording area is touched.
If you observe a bad long-term performance of MEAs, consider a more careful handling.
Possible causes:
? The contact pads are contaminated.
Clean the contact pads carefully with a swab or a soft tissue and pure (100 %) alcohol.
? The contact pads or the electrodes are irreversibly damaged. You could have a look at the electrodes
under a microscope: If they appear shiny golden, the titanium nitride is gone and the electrode is
irreversibly damaged. Electrodes may be damaged without changing their visual appearance, though.
Pick one of the bad channels after the other and ground it. See the MEA amplifier's manual for more
information on grounding channels. In most cases, only one of the electrodes that appear bad is actually
defective, and the other ones are only affected by the single defective electrode. Ground as many
electrodes as you need for a good general performance.
In the following example, all defective electrodes have been grounded.
Grounded electrodes show a noise level that is lower than that of good electrodes.
If too many electrodes are defective, use a new MEA.
Contact pin is defective
Please see the manual for the respective MEA amplifier.
59
MEA Manual
9.4 Overall Noise / Unsteady Baseline
The baseline is unstable, signals are jumping or drifting.
Possible causes:
? Bath electrode is not connected to ground.
Connect the internal or external bath electrode to one of the ground inputs of the amplifier.
? AgCl bath electrode needs is not well-chlorided.
Rechloride the electrode or use a new one.
? 50 Hz hum: 50 Hz is the frequency of mains power in Europe. If the shielding and grounding of the setup
is not sufficient, electrical signals are picked up from the environment.
Use a proper shielding. For example, you can place aluminum foil over the amplifier that is connected to
any metal part of the MEA amplifier. You can also use special shielding equipment like a Faraday cage.
The following screen shot shows a recording of a 60MEA200/30 without bath electrode and without
shielding. You see that the signals are so high that the amplifier gets saturated, and you see a very strong
50 Hz hum.
The next pictures show the same MEA with bath electrode (silver pellet), but without shielding.
The baseline is very unsteady and oscillates with a frequency of 50 Hz.
60
The next screen shot shows the effect of shielding: The noise level is neglectible, and the baseline is
steady. The shielding has been achieved with a metal plate connected to the metal part of the 68-pin MCS
high grade cable connector and placed above the amplifier. You could also use aluminum foil or a Faraday
cage for the same effect, for example.
9.5 Missing Spikes or Strange Signal Behavior
Troubleshooting
MEAs wear out after multiple uses or over a longer time of use, for example, for long-term cultures.
The insulation layer gets thin over time. This is considered a normal behavior.
Possible causes:
? The insulation layer is too thin. As a result, the MEA gets the behavior of a low pass filter. This means,
that the signal frequency may be shifted to a lower frequency, and spikes are missing.
Optically control the MEA with a microscope. If concentric colored rings (Newton rings) are visible
(due to light interference), the insulation layer is too thin and you should use a fresh MEA.
? The insulation layer has been abraded and is missing in parts. This will result in a short circuit between
the electrodes or tracks and the bath. You will still see signals, but as an unspecific smear over the
complete array.
Use a fresh MEA.
61
10 Appendix
10.1 Contact Information
Local retailer
Please see the list of official MCS distributors on the MCS web site.
User forum
The Multi Channel Systems User Forum provides an excellent opportunity for you to exchange your
experience or thoughts with other users worldwide.
Mailing List
If you have subscribed to the mailing list, you will be automatically informed about new software releases,
upcoming events, and other news on the product line. You can subscribe to the mailing list on the contact
form of the MCS web site.
Appendix
www.multichannelsystems.com
63
MEA Manual
10.2 Safe Charge Injection Limits
64
Safe Charge Injection Limits of Micro Electrode Arrays with TiN Electrodes (diameter: 30 µm)
2000
1500
1000
max. pulse amplitude [µA]
500
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
400
350
saf e c harg e inje c tio n lim its
tim e [µs ]
safe c ha rg e in je c tio n lim its
300
250
200
150
max. pulse amplitude [µA]
100
50
0
500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
tim e [µ s ]
safe c harg e in je ctio n lim its
60
50
40
30
20
max. pulse amplitude [µA]
10
0
3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000
tim e [µs ]
Safe Charge Injection Limits of Micro Electrode Arrays with TiN Electrodes (diameter: 10 µm)
2000
1500
1000
max. pulse amplitude [µA]
500
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
safe c ha rg e in je c tio n lim its
tim e [µ s ]
saf e charg e inje c tio n lim its
400
350
300
250
200
150
max. pulse amplitude [µA]
100
50
0
50 100 150 200 250 300
tim e [µ s]
60
50
40
saf e c harg e inje ctio n lim its
30
20
max. pulse amplitude [µA]
10
0
300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
tim e [µ s ]
10.3 Data Sheets
Appendix
65
Standard 60MEA
60MEA200/10iR-ITO, 60MEA200/30iR-ITO,
60MEA100/10iR-ITO, 60MEA100/10-ITO,
60MEA100/10iR-Ti, 60MEA200/30-Ti,
60MEA200/10iR-Ti, 60MEA200/30iR-Ti
49.0 mm
0.2 mm
10 / 30 μm
5.4 mm
2.2 mm
200 / 100 μm
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
51 61 71
62
52
53
63
64
54
55
65
56
66
57
67
58
68
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
82
83
84
85
86
87
49.0 mm
REF
12
13
14
15
16
17
21 31
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
Standard electrode layout grid 8 x 8
Contact pads
Technical Specifications Standard 60MEA
Temperature compatibility 0 - 125 °C
Dimension (W x D x H) 49 mm x 49 mm x 1 mm
Base material Glass
Track material ITO (Indium tin oxide) or Ti (Titanium)
Contact pads ITO (Indium tin oxide) or TiN (Titanium nitride)
Electrode diameter 10 or 30 μm
Interelectrode distance (centre to centre) 100 or 200 μm
Electrode height Planar
Electrode type TiN (Titanium nitride)
Isolation type Silicon nitride 500 nm (PEVCD)
Electrode impedance 30 - 50 k for 30 μm electrodes, 250 - 400 k for 10 μm electrodes
Electrode layout grid 8 x 8
Number of recording electrodes 59 (with iR) or 60 (without iR)
Number of reference electrodes 1 internal reference electrode (iR) or without internal reference
MC_Rack
Source layout in “Data Source Setup” 2 dim. (MEA) or Configuration
Channel map Default
MEA perfusion chamber (w/o) Without ring
(gr) Glass ring: ID +/- 19 mm, OD 24 mm, height 6 / 12 mm
(pr) Plastic ring without thread: ID 26.5 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 3 mm
(pr-T) Plastic ring with thread: ID 26 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 15 mm
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2014 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
Standard 60MEA
Standard electrode layout grid 8 x 8
MEA pins, 1 dim.
MEA pins, 2 dim.
Electrode #
23 33 33
22 22 22
21 12 12
20 23 23
19 13 13
18 34 34
17 24 24
16 14 14
15 15 REF
14 25 25
13 35 35
12 16 16
11 26 26
10 17 17
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37
21 32 31 44 43 41 42 52 51 53 54 61 62 71
21 32 31 44 43 41 42 52 51 53 54 61 62 71
21 4131 51 7161
REF
12
13
14
15
16
17
22
23
24
25
26
27
32
33
34
35
36
37
42
43
44
45
46
47
52
53
54
55
56
57
62
63
64
65
66
67
72
73
74
75
76
77
82
83
84
85
86
87
28 4838 58 7868
Electrode #
MEA pins, 2 dim.
63 63 38
72 72 39
82 82 40
73 73 41
83 83 42
64 64 43
74 74 44
84 84 45
85 85 46
75 75 47
65 65 48
86 86 49
76 76 50
87 87 51
MEA pins, 1 dim.
9 27 27
8 36 36
Electrode #
MEA pins, 2 dim.
MEA pins, 1 dim.
28 37 38 45 46 48 47 57 58 56 55 68 67 78
28 37 38 45 46 48 47 57 58 56 55 68 67 78
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 60 59 58 57 56 55 54
77 77 52
66 66 53
Electrode #
MEA pins, 2 dim.
MEA pins, 1 dim.
The numbering of MEA electrodes in the 8 x 8 grid follows the standard numbering scheme for square grids:
The first digit is the column number, and the second digit is the row number. For example, electrode 23 is
positioned in the third row of the second column.
The specified MEA pin numbers (1 dim. or 2 dim.) are the channel numbers that are used in the data
acquisition program, when using the 1 dimensional layout or the 2 dimensional layout (or Configuration)
in the “Data Source Setup”. The electrode 15 is missing in MEAs with internal reference electrode.
It is replaced by a big internal reference electrode, connected to pin 15 of the amplifier.
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2014 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
60MEA500/10iR-Ti
60MEA500/10iR-Ti, 60MEA500/30iR-Ti
MEA with electrode layout grid 6 x 10
Technical Specifications Micro Electrode Array with 6 x 10 Layout
Temperature compatibility 0 - 125 °C
Dimension (W x D x H) 49 mm x 49 mm x 1 mm
Base material Glass
Track material Ti (Titanium)
Contact pads TiN (Titanium nitride)
Electrode diameter 10 or 30 μm
Interelectrode distance (centre to centre) 500 μm
Electrode height Planar
Electrode type TiN (Titanium nitride)
Isolation type Silicon nitride 500 nm (PEVCD)
Electrode impedance 30 - 50 kfor 30m electrodes,
250 - 400 kfor 10m electrodes
Electrode layout grid 6 x 10
Number of recording electrodes 59
Number of reference electrodes 1 internal reference electrode (iR)
MC_Rack
Source layout in “Data Source Setup” 2 dim. (MEA)
Channel map MEA-500_6x10.cmp
MEA perfusion chamber (w/o) Without ring
(gr) Glass ring: ID +/- 19 mm, OD 24 mm, height 6 / 12 mm
(pr) Plastic ring without thread: ID 26.5 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 3 mm
(pr-T) Plastic ring with thread: ID 26 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 15 mm
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
60MEA500/10iR-Ti
Electrode layout grid 6 x 10
MEA pins
Electrode #
22
G3
12
H1
23
G2
13
G1
34
F3
24
F2
14
F1
15
REF
25
E2
35
E3
16
D1
26
D2
33
Electrode #
MEA pins
REF
K1
21
I1
33
H1
12
G1
13
F1
14
D1
16
C1
17
K2
31
I2
44
H2
32
G2
23
F2
24
E2
25
D2
26
C2
37
K3
41
I3
43
H3
42
G3
22
F3
34
E3
35
D3
27
C3
47
K4
51
I4
53
H4
52
G4
72
F4
64
E4
65
D4
77
C4
57
500 μm
K5
61
I5
54
H5
62
G5
73
F5
74
E5
75
D5
76
C5
67
10 or 30 μm
K6
71
I6
63
H6
82
G6
83
F6
84
E6
85
D6
86
C6
87
637162615453515242414344313221
K6 I6H5K5I5I4K4H4H3K3I3I2K2H2K1I1
G4
72
H6
82
G5
73
83
G6
64
F4
74
F5
84
F6
85
E6
E5
75
E4
65
D6
86
D5
76
17
27
C1
D3
B1
36
A1
28
B2
45
A2
38
B3
46
A3
48
B4
56
A4
58
B5
55
A5
68
B6
66
A6
78
C6
D4
87
77
B6A1 A6C5A5B5B4A4C4C3A3B3B2A2C2B1
66786768555658574748464538372836
The letter of the electrode number code refers to the row number, and the digit is the column number. The
specified MEA amplifier pin numbers are the MEA-System channel numbers that are used in the MC_Rack
program. The substrate-integrated reference electrode (REF) is connected to pin 15 of the MEA amplifier.
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
60HighDenseMEA
60HD30/10iR-ITO
60 High Density Microelectrode Array with Internal Reference Electrode
Technical Specifications: 60HighDenseMEA
Temperature compatibility 0 - 125 °C
Dimension (W x D x H) 49 mm x 49 mm x 1 mm
Base material Glass
Contact pads and track material Indium tin oxide (ITO)
Electrode diameter 10 m
Interelectrode distance (centre to centre) 30 m
Distance between electrode fields 500 m or 150 m
Electrode height Planar
Electrode type Titanium nitride (TiN)
Isolation type Silicone nitride 500 nm (PEVCD)
Electrode impedance Approximately 250 - 400 k
Electrode layout grid 2 x ( 5 x 6 )
Number of recording electrodes 59
Number of reference electrodes 1 internal reference electrode
MC_Rack:
Source Layout in Data Source Setup 2 dim. (MEA)
MCS Channel map HighDenseMEA.cmp
HighDenseMEA_L.cmp
HighDenseMEA_R.cmp
MEA perfusion chamber (w/o) Without ring
(gr) Glass ring: ID +/- 19 mm, OD 24 mm, height 6 / 12 mm
(pr) Plastic ring without thread: ID 26.5 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 3 mm
(pr-T) Plastic ring with thread: ID 26 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 15 mm
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
60HighDenseMEA
60HD30/10iR-ITO
Electrode Layout
MEA pins
Electrode #
22
B3L
12
A2L
23
A1L
13
B2L
34
B1L
24
C2L
14
C1L
15
D1L
25
D2L
35
E1L
16
E2L
Left electrode field Right electrode field
32331223 31
B1L B2L B3L B4L B5L
44221334 43
C1L C2L C3L C4L C5L
41212414 42
REF
D2L D3L D4L D5L
48282515 47
E1L E2L E3L E4L E5L
45271635 46
F1L F2L F3L F4L F5L
A5LA1L A2L A3L A4L
Electrode #
MEA pins
LR
A1R A2R A3R A4R A5R
B1R B2R B3R B4R B5R
C1R C2R C3R C4R C5R
D1R D2R D3R D4R D5R
E1R E2R E3R E4R E5R
F1R F2R F3R F4R F5R
500 μm or 150 μm
63716261545351524241434431322133
C3R A3RA2RA1RB2RB1RC2RC1RC5LC4LB5LB4LA5LA4LC3LA3L
82636261 73
64725453 74
83715152 84
75785857 85
86775556 65
87666768 7637361726 38
B3R
A4R
A5R
B4R
B5R
C4R
C5R
D5R
D4R
E5R
E4R
72
82
73
83
64
74
84
85
75
65
86
26
17
27
F1L
F2L
E3L
30 μm
10 μm
F3RD3L D3RF2RF1RE2RE1RD2RD1RD5LD4LE5LE4LF5LF4LF3L
F5R
F4R
E3R
66786768555658574748464538372836
The first letter of the electrode number code refers to the row number, the digit is the column number,
and the second letter refers to the electrode field (left or right) of the 60HighDenseMEA. The specified
MEA pin numbers are the channel numbers that are used in the MC_Rack program. The electrode D1
of the left electrode field, connected to channel 15 in MC_Rack is missing. It is replaced by a big
internal reference electrode.
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
76
87
77
60HexaMEA40/10
60HexaMEA40/10iR-ITO
60 Hexa Microelectrode Array
Technical Specifications 60HexaMEA40/10
Temperature compatibility 0 - 125 °C
Dimension (W x D x H) 49 mm x 49 mm x 1 mm
Base material Glass
Contact pads and track material ITO (Indium tin oxide)
Electrode diameter 10 μm
Interelectrode distance (centre to centre) 40 μm
Electrode height Planar
Electrode type TiN (Titanium nitride)
Isolation type Silicon nitride 500 nm (PEVCD)
Electrode impedance Approximately 250 - 400 k
Electrode layout grid Hexagonal
Number of recording electrodes 59
Number of reference electrodes 1 internal reference electrode (iR)
MC_Rack:
Source layout in “Data Source Setup” 2 dim (MEA)
Channel map HexaMEA40/10.cmp
MEA perfusion chamber (w/o) Without ring
(gr) Glass ring: ID +/- 19 mm, OD 24 mm, height 6 / 12 mm
(pr) Plastic ring without thread: ID 26.5 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 3 mm
(pr-T) Plastic ring with thread: ID 26 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 15 mm
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
60HexaMEA40/10
60HexaMEA40/10iR-ITO
Electrode Layout
MEA pins
Electrode #
22
B1
12
C2
23
C1
13
D3
34
D2
24
D1
14
D4
15
REF
25
E1
35
E2
16
F1
D5 A2 C4 A3
MEA pins
Electrode #
32 44 42 51 61
A1 A2 A3 A4 A5
B4
A4 C5 B5 B6 C6E4B3A1B2C3 A5
22 21 43 52 54 71
B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6
40 μm
23 12 33 41 53 63 82
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7
40 μm
24 34 13 14 31 72 73 64
D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8
25 35 37 62 83 74 84
E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 E7
16 26 27 68 85 86 65 75
F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8
17 36 46 58 66 87 76
G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7
10 μm
63716261545351524241434431322133
D6
72
82
C7
73
D7
83
E5
64
D8
74
E6
84
E7
85
F5
75
F8
65
F7
86
F6
26
F2
28 45 47 56 78 77
G7
76
H1 H2 H3 H4 H5 H6
17
27
G1
F3
38 48 57 55 67
I1 I2 I3 I4 I5
H5 G5F4I4H4G4I3H3I2G3 I5H2I1E3G2 H1
66786768555658574748464538372836
G6
H6
87
77
The letter-digit code is the electrode identifier and refers to the position of the electrode in the hexa
grid. The specified MEA amplifier pin numbers are the channel numbers that are used in MC_Rack.
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
60HexaMEA
60HexaMEA-ITO
60HexaMEA-Ti
60 Hexa Microelectrode Array
Technical Specifications 60HexaMEA
10 20 30 m
30 60 90 90 m
Temperature compatibility 0 - 125 °C
Dimension (W x D x H) 49 mm x 49 mm x 1 mm
Thickness (region of electrodes)
Base material Glass
Contact pads Indium tin oxide (ITO) or Titanium nitride (TiN)
Track material Indium tin oxide (ITO) or Titanium (Ti)
Electrode diameter 10, 20, 30 m
Interelectrode distance (centre to centre) 30, 60, 90 m
Electrode height Planar
Electrode type Titanium nitride (TiN)
Isolation type Silicon nitride 500 nm (PEVCD)
Electrode impedance 30 k - 50 kfor 30 m electrodes,
250 - 400 k for 10 and 20 m electrodes
Electrode layout grid hexagonal
Number of recording electrodes 60
Number of reference electrodes without internal reference electrode
MC_Rack:
Source Layout in Data Source Setup 2 dim. (MEA)
MCS Channel map HexaMEA.cmp
MEA perfusion chamber (w/o) Without ring
(gr) Glass ring: ID +/- 19 mm, OD 24 mm, height 6 / 12 mm
(pr) Plastic ring without thread: ID 26.5 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 3 mm
(pr-T) Plastic ring with thread: ID 26 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 15 mm
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
60HexaMEA
60HexaMEA-ITO
60HexaMEA-Ti
Electrode Layout
MEA1060 pins
Electrode #
22
B1
12
B8
23
B6
13
B2
34
B3
24
B4
14
B5
15
A10
25
A9
35
A7
16
A1
26
A8
17
A6
27
A2
63716261545351524241434431322133
Electrode #
MEA1060 pins
C5 C4 C2 C6
C5
31 62
C
C4
B8
12
B6
B5
B
14 85
90 μm
90 μm
A8
26
23
B4B4
24 75
A9
25
44 42 54 71
B9
B7
33 64
B3
35 66
A4
28 46 57 55
C6 D4
C3 C7 D3
C2
41 61 72
B10
B2
B1
A10
A2A7
27 45 58
A3
F9 F6 F4
A
A5
C8
C8
52
30 μm
20 μm
10 μm
C10
C1 D1
5132 83 84
F11
3822 77 8613
F1 E10A1
1615 47 67
F10
30 μm
F7
60 μm
C1 C7 C9 D4 D3D5C3B10B9B7 C10
C9
635343
D2
D10
E1 E2 E3
F2 E7
564836
D
D7
F3
F
D6
8221
6534
E9A6
7817
D5
F5
D9
74
E6
76
E4
D8
73
E5
E
E8
87
D2
D6
D8
D1
D7
D9
D10
E5
E4
E3
E2
E6
E8
E1
72
82
73
83
64
74
84
85
75
65
86
76
87
77
37 68
E9 E7F5F4F3F2F6F1F7F9 E10F10F11A5A3 A4
66786768555658574748464538372836
The letter-digit code is the electrode identifier and refers to the position of the electrode in the hexa grid.
The specified MEA amplifier pin numbers are the channel numbers that are used in MC_Rack.
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
60ThinMEA30/10iR-ITO
60ThinMEA30/10iR-ITO
Technical Specifications 60ThinMEA30/10iR-ITO
Temperature compartibility 0 - 125 °C
Dimension (W x D x H) 49 mm x 49 mm x 1 mm
“Thickness” 180 m (Glass part)
Base material Glass on ceramic carrier
Contact pads and track material ITO (Indium tin oxide)
Electrode diameter 10 m
Interelectrode distance (centre to centre) 30 m
Distance between electrode fields 500 m
Electrode height Planar
Electrode type TiN (Titanium nitride)
Isolation type Silicon nitride 500 nm (PEVCD)
Electrode impedance 250 - 400 k
Electrode layout grid 2 x (5 x 6)
Number of recording electrodes 59
Number of reference electrodes 1 internal reference electrode
MC_Rack
Source layout in “Data Source Setup” 2 dim. (MEA)
Channel map HighDenseMEA.cmp
HighDenseMEA_L.cmp
HighDenseMEA_R.cmp
MEA perfusion chamber (w/o) Without ring
(gr) Glass ring: ID +/- 19 mm, OD 24 mm, height 6 / 12 mm
(pr) Plastic ring without thread: ID 26.5 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 3 mm
(pr-T) Plastic ring with thread: ID 26 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 15 mm
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
60ThinMEA30/10iR-ITO
60ThinMEA30/10iR-ITO
MEA pins
Electrode #
22
B3L
12
A2L
A1L
23
13
B2L
34
B1L
24
C2L
14
C1L
15
D1L
D2L
25
35
E1L
E2L
16
Left electrode field Right electrode field
32331223 31
B1L B2L B3L B4L B5L
44221334 43
C1L C2L C3L C4L C5L
41212414 42
REF
D2L D3L D4L D5L
48282515 47
E1L E2L E3L E4L E5L
45271635 46
F1L F2L F3L F4L F5L
A5LA1L A2L A3L A4L
Electrode #
MEA pins
LR
A1R A2R A3R A4R A5R
B1R B2R B3R B4R B5R
C1R C2R C3R C4R C5R
D1R D2R D3R D4R D5R
E1R E2R E3R E4R E5R
F1R F2R F3R F4R F5R
500 μm
C3R A3RA2RA1RB2RB1RC2RC1RC5LC4LB5LB4LA5LA4LC3LA3L
82636261 73
64725453 74
83715152 84
75785857 85
86775556 65
87666768 7637361726 38
63716261545351524241434431322133
72
B3R
A4R
82
73
A5R
83
B4R
64
B5R
74
C4R
84
C5R
85
D5R
75
D4R
E5R
65
E4R
86
F1L
26
17
27
F2L
E3L
30 μm
10 μm
F5R
F4R
E3R
F3RD3L D3RF2RF1RE2RE1RD2RD1RD5LD4LE5LE4LF5LF4LF3L
66786768555658574748464538372836
The first letter of the electrode number code refers to the row number, the digit is the column number,
and the second letter refers to the electrode field (left or right) of the 60ThinMEA30/10iR-Ti.
The specified MEA pin numbers are the channel numbers that are used in the MC_Rack program.
The electrode D1 of the left electrode field, connected to channel 15 in MC_Rack is missing.
It is replaced by a big internal reference electrode.
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
76
87
77
60ThinMEA
60ThinMEA30/10-ITO
60ThinMEA100/10-ITO
60ThinMEA200/30iR-ITO
33 21 32 31 444341 42 52 51535461627163
22
12
23
12
13
34
13
24
14
14
15
15
25
16
35
16
17
26
17
27
36
28
37 38
41
21 31
22
32
33
23
24
34
35
25
26
36
27
37
28
38
45 46 48 47 57 58
51
42
52
53
43
44
54
55
45
56
46
57
47
48
58
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
56 55
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
82
83
84
85
86
87
686778
72
82
73
83
64
74
84
85
75
65
86
76
87
77
66
60 electrode Thin Microelectrode Array with 8 x 8 layout.
The electrodes are embedded in a very thin glass substrate
on a robust ceramic carrier. Contact pads and tracks are made
from transparent indium tin oxide for high resolution imaging.
Technical Specifications 60ThinMEA
Temperature compatibility 0 - 125 °C
Dimension (W x D x H) 49 mm x 49 mm x 1 mm
“Thickness” 180 m (Glass part)
Base material Glass on ceramic carrier
Contact pads and track material ITO (Indium tin oxide)
Electrode diameter 10 or 30 m
Interelectrode distance (centre to centre) 100 or 200 m
Electrode height Planar
Electrode type TiN (Titanium nitride)
Isolation type Silicon nitride 500 nm (PEVCD)
Electrode impedance 30 - 50 k for 30 m, 250 - 400 k for 10 m electrodes
Electrode layout grid 8 x 8
Number of recording electrodes 59 (with iR) or 60 (without iR)
Number of reference electrodes 1 internal reference electrode iR: 60ThinMEA200/30iR-ITO
or without internal reference electrode: 60ThinMEA100/10-ITO
60ThinMEA30/10-ITO
MC_Rack
Source layout in “Data Source Setup” 2 dim. (MEA)
Channel map Default
MEA perfusion chamber (w/o) Without ring
(gr) Glass ring: ID +/- 19 mm, OD 24 mm, height 6 / 12 mm
(pr) Plastic ring without thread: ID 26.5 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 3 mm
(pr-T) Plastic ring with thread: ID 26 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 15 mm
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
60EcoMEA
Low priced Microelectrode Array on PCB Base
33 21 32 31 444341 42 52 51535461627163
22
12
23
12
13
34
13
24
14
14
15
REF
25
16
35
16
17
26
17
27
36
28
38
37
41
21 31
22
32
33
23
34
24
35
25
26
36
27
37
28
38
45 46 48 47 57 58
51 61
42
52
53
43
44
54
55
45
46
56
47
57
48
58
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
56 55
60EcoMEA on PCB base with 8 x 8 standard electrode layout.
Technical Specifications 60EcoMEA
Temperature compatibility 0 - 125 °C
Dimension (W x D x H) 49 mm x 49 mm x 1 mm
Base material PCB (Printed circuit board)
82
83
84
85
86
87
686778
72
82
73
83
64
74
84
85
75
65
86
76
87
77
66
Contact pads and track material Gold
Electrode diameter 100 μm
Interelectrode distance (centre to centre) 700 μm
Electrode height Planar
Electrode type Gold
Isolation type PCB (Printed circuit board)
Electrode impedance approx. 30 k
Electrode layout grid 8 x 8
Number of recording electrodes 59
Number of reference electrodes 1 internal reference electrode
MC_Rack
Source layout in “Data Source Setup” 2 dim. (MEA)
Channel map Default
MEA perfusion chamber (w/o) Without ring
(gr) Glass ring: ID +/- 19 mm, OD 24 mm, height 6 / 12 mm
(pr) Plastic ring without thread: ID 26.5 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 3 mm
(pr-T) Plastic ring with thread: ID 26 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 15 mm
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
60EcoMEA-Glass
Low priced Microelectrode Array on Glass Base
12
13
14
16
17
37 38
43
414252 51535461627163
41
21
31
22
32
33
23
24
34
25
35
26
36
27
37
28
38
45
46 48 475758
51 61
42
62
52
43
53
63
44
64
54
55
65
45
46
56
66
47
57
67
48
58
68
56
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
55
33 213231 44
22
12
23
13
34
24
14
15
REF
25
35
16
26
17
27
36
28
60EcoMEA on glass base with 8 x 8 standard electrode layout.
Technical Specifications 60EcoMEA-Glass
Temperature compatibility 0 - 125 °C
Dimension (W x D x H) 49 mm x 49 mm x 1 mm
Base material Glass
82
83
84
85
86
87
686778
72
82
73
83
64
74
84
85
75
65
86
76
87
77
66
Contact pads and track material Gold
Electrode diameter 100 m
Interelectrode distance (centre to centre) 700 m
Electrode height Planar
Electrode type Gold
Isolation type SU-8 (photoresist, 1 - 2 m)
Electrode impedance approx. 30 k
Electrode layout grid 8 x 8
Number of recording electrodes 59
Number of reference electrodes 1 internal reference electrode
MC_Rack
Source layout in “Data Source Setup” 2 dim. (MEA)
Channel map Default
MEA perfusion chamber (w/o) Without ring
(gr) Glass ring: ID +/- 19 mm, OD 24 mm, height 6 / 12 mm
(pr) Plastic ring without thread: ID 26.5 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 3 mm
(pr-T) Plastic ring with thread: ID 26 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 15 mm
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
60StimMEA
60StimMEA200/30-ITO
60StimMEA200/30-Ti
33 21 32 31 44
22
12
23
13
34
24
14
15
25
STIM
STIM
250 μm
2000 μm
35
16
26
17
27
36
28
37 38
45 46 48 47 57 58
43
41 42 52 51
21 31
12
22
23
13
S
24
14
2450 μm
S
25
15
26
16
27
17
28
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
STIM
S
S
41
51 61
42
52
43
53
44
54
55
45
46
56
47
57
48
58
S
S
STIM
27,8 mm
STIM
STIM
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
4,1 mm
53
54
82
83
84
S
S
85
86
87
56 55
61
STIM
STIM
7,755 mm
68
62
7,755 mm
67
71
78
63
72
82
73
83
64
74
84
85
75
65
86
76
87
77
66
60 electrodes Microelectrode Array
with 16 additional stimulation electrodes.
Electrode layout: Standard 8 x 8 grid
For use with MEA-STIM-ADPT:
Adapter for MEAs with 16 additional
stimulation electrodes and for
MEA1060 amplifiers.
Contact pad for stimulation adapter
MEA-STIM-ADPT
Diameter of contact pad 2 mm
Distance between contact pads 4.1 mm
(Centre to centre)
Technical Specifications 60 Electrode MEA with 16 additional Stimulation Electrodes
Temperature compatibility 0 - 125 °C
Dimension (W x D x H) 49 mm x 49 mm x 1 mm
Base material Glass
Track material Indium tin oxide (ITO) or Titanium (Ti)
Contact pads Indium tin oxide (ITO) or Titanium nitride (TiN)
Electrode diameter 30 m
Interelectrode distance (centre to centre) 200 m
Electrode height Planar
Electrode type Titanium nitride (TiN) electrodes
Isolation type Silicon nitride 500 nm (PEVCD)
Electrode impedance 30 - 50 k
Electrode layout grid 8 x 8 and additional
4 pairs of large stimulation electrodes (STIM = 70 x 250 m)
4 pairs of small stimulation electrodes (S = 30 m)
Number of recording electrodes 60
Number of reference electrodes Without internal reference electrode
MC_Rack
Source layout in “Data Source Setup” 2 dim. (MEA)
Channel map Default
MEA perfusion chamber (w/o) without ring
(gr) Glass ring: ID +/-19 mm, OD 24 mm, height 6 / 12 mm
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
60pMEA100/30iR-Ti
60pMEA100/30iR-Ti
Perforated Microelectrode Array with 6 x 10 electrode layout grid. Perforated MEAs for use with MEA1060 amplifiers
equipped with a perfusion ground plate (PGP) or a MEA2100 headstage with a perfusion element (PE). The perforation
allows a perfusion of the tissue from both sides of the pMEA.
Technical Specifications 60pMEA100/30iR-Ti
Temperature compatibility 10 - 50 °C
Dimension (W x D x H) 49 mm x 49 mm x 1 mm
Base material Polyimide foil (2611) on glass or ceramic carrier
Perforation:
Diameter of innermost area 2 mm
Total area of holes 19% (according to 2 mm)
Diameter of holes 5, 6, 7.5, 9, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.7, 20
Contact pads TiAu (Titan, Gold)
Track material TiAuTi (Titan, Gold, Titan)
Electrode diameter 30 μm
Interelectrode distance (centre to centre) 100 μm
Electrode height Planar
Electrode type TiN (Titanium nitride)
Isolation type Polyimide foil (2610) isolator
Electrode impedance 30 - 50 k
Electrode layout grid 6 x 10
Number of electrodes 60
Reference electrodes with internal reference (iR)
MC_Rack
Source layout in “Data Source Setup” 2 dim. (MEA)
Channel map pMEA 6x10.cmp
Cleaning Rinse with distilled water. Do not use ultrasonic bath!
These pMEAs are not heat stable, and should not be autoclaved!
MEA perfusion chamber (w/o) Without ring
(gr) Glass ring: ID +/- 19 mm, OD 24 mm, height 6 / 12 mm
(pr) Plastic ring without thread: ID 26.5 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 3 mm
(pr-T) Plastic ring with thread: ID 26 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 15 mm
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
60pMEA100/30iR-Ti
60pMEA100/30iR-Ti
MEA pins
Electrode #
33 32
22 33
12 21
23 11
13 22
34 12
24 23
14 13
15 REF
25 24
35 15
16 25
26 16
21 32 31 44 43 41 42 52 51 53 54 61 62 71
31 43 42 41 52 51 53 63 61 62 71 72 73 81
11 21 31 41 51 61 71 81 91 101
23 12 21 44 41 51 54 71 82 73
12 22 32 42 52 62 72 82 92 102
34 13 33 31 43 53 61 63 83 64
13 23 33 43 53 63 73 83 93 103
14 24 22 32 42 52 62 72 74 84
24 34 44 54 64 74 84 94 104
REF
25 27 37 47 57 67 77 75 85
15 25 35 45 55 65 75 85 95 105
35 16 36 38 46 56 68 66 86 65
16 26 36 46 56 66 76 86 96 106
26 17 28 45 48 58 55 78 87 76
Electrode #
MEA pins
82 63
83 72
91 82
101 73
92 83
102 64
93 74
103 84
104 85
94 75
105 65
95 86
106 76
17 26
27 34
36 35
MEA pins
96 87
100 μm
30 μm
36 44 45 46 55 56 54 64 66 65 76 75 74 86
28 37 38 45 46 48 47 57 58 56 55 68 67 78
Electrode #
84 77
85 66
Electrode #
MEA pins
The first number of the electrode number code refers to the column number, the second
number is the row number of the 60pMEA100/30iR-Ti. The specified MEA pin numbers
are the channel numbers that are used in the MC_Rack program, when using the 2 dim.
source layout in “Data Source Setup”. The electrode 14 is missing. It is replaced by a big
internal reference electrode, and connected to MC_Rack channel number 15.
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
60pMEA200/30iR-Ti
60pMEA200/30iR-Ti
33 21 32 31 444341 42 52 51535461627163
22
12
23
12
13
34
13
24
14
14
15
REF
25
16
35
17
16
26
17
27
36
28
37 38
41
21
31
22
42
32
33
23
43
44
24
34
45
25
35
46
26
36
37
47
27
48
28
38
45 46 48 47 57 58
51 61 71
62
52
53
63
64
54
55
65
56
66
57
67
58
68
56 55
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
686778
72
82
73
83
82
64
83
74
84
84
85
85
75
86
65
87
86
76
87
77
66
Perforated Microelectrode Array in 8 x 8 layout grid for use
with MEA1060 amplifiers equipped with a perfusion ground
plate (PGP) or a MEA2100 headstage equipped with a perfusion
element (PE). The perforation allows the perfusion of the tissue
from both sides of the pMEA
.
Technical Specifications 60pMEA200/30iR-Ti
Temperature compatibility 10 - 50 °C
Dimension (W x D x H) 49 mm x 49 mm x 1 mm
Base material Polyimide foil (2611) on glass or ceramic carrier
Perforation:
Diameter of innermost area 2 mm
Total area of holes 24% (according to 2 mm)
Diameter of holes 10, 12, 12.5, 17, 19, 22, 23.3, 23.5, 36, 44 m
Contact pads TiAu (Titan, Gold)
Track material TiAuTi (Titan, Gold, Titan)
Electrode diameter 30 m
Interelectrode distance (centre to centre) 200 m
Electrode height Planar
Electrode type TiN (Titanium nitride)
Isolation type Polyimide foil (2610) isolator
Electrode impedance 30 - 50 k
Electrode layout grid 8 x 8
Number of recording electrodes 59
Number of reference electrodes 1 internal reference electrode (iR)
MC_Rack
Source layout in “Data Source Setup” 2 dim. (MEA)
Channel map Default
Cleaning Rinse with distilled water. Do not use ultrasonic bath!
These pMEAs are not heat stable, and should not be autoclaved!
MEA perfusion chamber (w/o) Without ring
(gr) Glass ring: ID +/- 19 mm, OD 24 mm, height 6 / 12 mm
(pr) Plastic ring without thread: ID 26.5 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 3 mm
(pr-T) Plastic ring with thread: ID 26 mm, OD 30 mm, height 6 / 15 mm
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
pMEA32S12 Layout 1
Perforated MEA for use with MEA2100-32- and USB-MEA32-STIM4-System
Technical Specifications pMEA32S12 Layout 1
Temperature compatibility 10 - 50 °C
Dimension (W x D x H) 49 mm x 25 mm x 1.8 mm
Base material Polyimide foil on ceramic carrier with perforation
Perforation:
Total area of holes 0.8 mm
2
Diameter of the holes 90, 75, 50, 30, 20 m
Track material Ti (Titanium)
Contact pads TiN (Titanium nitride)
Electrode diameter 30 m (recording electrodes) 50 m (stimulation electrodes)
Interelectrode distance (centre to centre) 90 m and 150 m (recording electrodes),
100 m and 125 m (stimulation electrodes)
Electrode height Planar
Electrode type TiN (Titanium nitride) electrodes
Isolation type Polyimide foil
Electrode impedance Approximately 30 - 50 k
Electrode layout grid 1 x 10 + 1 x 12 + 1 x 10 (recording electrodes),
2 x 6 (stimulation electrodes)
Number of recording electrodes 32
Number of stimulation electrodes 12
Number of reference electrodes 1 internal reference electrode
MC_Rack “Source layout” Configuration (MEA2100-32)
in “Data Source Setup” 1 dimensional, no digital channel (USB-MEA32-STIM4)
Channel map pMEA-32S12-L1_12x3.cmp
Cleaning Rinse with distilled water.
Do not use ultrasonic bath!
Do not autoclave or sterilize pMEAs by heat.
These MEA types are not heat-stable and will be irreversibly damaged!
pMEA perfusion chamber (w/o) Without ring
(gr) Glass ring: ID +/- 19 mm, OD 24 mm, height 6 / 12 mm
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
pMEA32S12 Layout 1
Perforated MEA for use with MEA2100-32- and USB-MEA32-STIM4-System
CH21
CH20
CH18
CH17
CH22
CH23
CH25
CH26
The oval area of the pMEA chip is perforated
A 4 A 7 A10 A13 A16 A19 A22 A25 A28 A31
150 μm
A 1 A 3 A 6 A 9 A12 A15 A18 A21 A24 A27 A30 A32
A 2 A 5 A 8 A11 A14 A17 A20 A23 A26 A29
90 μm
CH19
CH29
CH16
CH13
CH12
CH11
CH14
CH15
Direction to Amplifier
CH10
CH 8
CH 6
CH 4
CH 2
CH 9
CH 7
CH 5
CH 3
CH 1
STG25
STG23
STG21
STG22
STG15
STG16
CH31
CH32
CH24
CH27
CH28
CH30
STG24
STG26
STG13
STG12
STG11
STG14
30 μm
100 μm
S 2
S 1
50 μm
S 3
125 μm
Electrode layout in the grid
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
45 °
S 4
S 6
S 5
S 7
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
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www.multichannelsystems.com
S 8
S 9
A = recording electrode
S = stimulation electrode
S10
S12
S11
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
pMEA32S12 Layout 1
Perforated MEA for use with MEA2100-32- and USB-MEA32-STIM4-System
MC_Rack channel map: pMEA-32S12-L1_12x3.cmp
15 14 11 12 16 29 17 18 21 20
6 8 10 4 13 2 31 19 26 23 22 25
9 7 5 3 1 30 28 27 24 32
The MC_Rack channel map is build analog to the layout of the recording electrodes in the grid.
A 4 A 7 A10 A13 A16 A19 A22 A25 A28 A31
A 1 A 3 A 6 A 9 A12 A15 A18 A21 A24 A27 A30 A32
A 2 A 5 A 8 A11 A14 A17 A20 A23 A26 A29
Table:
Correlation of MC_Rack channels and recording electrodes
A = Number of recording electrode, CH = Channel number in MC_Rack
S = Number of stimulation electrode, STG = Internal stimulus generator connection
REF = Reference electrode
S 1 STG 23
S 2 STG 25
S 3 STG 22
S 4 STG 24
S 5 STG 21
S 6 STG 26
A 1 CH 6
A 2 CH 9
A 3 CH 8
A 4 CH 15
A 5 CH 7
A 6 CH 10
A 7 CH 14
A 8 CH 5
A 9 CH 4
A 10 CH 11
A 11 CH 3
A 12 CH 13
A 13 CH 12
A 14 CH 1
A 15 CH 2
A 16 CH 16
REF
STG 16 S 7
STG 13 S 8
STG 15 S 9
STG 12 S 10
STG 14 S 11
STG 11 S 12
CH 30 A 17
CH 31 A 18
CH 29 A 19
CH 28 A 20
CH 19 A 21
CH 17 A 22
CH 27 A 23
CH 26 A 24
CH 18 A 25
CH 24 A 26
CH 23 A 27
CH 21 A 28
CH 32 A 29
CH 22 A 30
CH 20 A 31
CH 25 A 32
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
pMEA32S12 Layout 2
Perforated MEA for use with MEA2100-32- and USB-MEA32-STIM4-System
Technical Specifications pMEA32S12 Layout 2
Temperature compatibility 10 - 50 °C
Dimension (W x D x H) 49 mm x 25 mm x 1.8 mm
Base material Polyimide foil on ceramic carrier with perforation
Perforation:
Total area of holes 0.8 mm
2
Diameter of the holes 90, 75, 50, 30, 20 m
Track material Ti (Titanium)
Contact pads TiN (Titanium nitride)
Electrode diameter 30 m (recording electrodes) 50 m (stimulation electrodes)
Interelectrode distance (centre to centre) 90 m and 150 m (recording electrodes),
90 m and 150 m (stimulation electrodes)
Electrode height Planar
Electrode type TiN (Titanium nitride) electrodes
Isolation type Polyimide foil
Electrode impedance Approximately 30 - 50 k
Electrode layout grid 1 x 10 + 1 x 12 + 1 x 10 (recording electrodes),
6 x 2 (stimulation electrodes)
Number of recording electrodes 32
Number of stimulation electrodes 12
Number of reference electrodes 1 internal reference electrode
MC_Rack “Source layout” Configuration (MEA2100-32)
in “Data Source Setup” 1 dimensional, no digital channel (USB-MEA32-STIM4)
Channel map pMEA-32S12-L2_12x3.cmp
Cleaning Rinse with distilled water.
Do not use ultrasonic bath!
Do not autoclave or sterilize pMEAs by heat.
These MEA types are not heat-stable and will be rreversibly damaged!
pMEA perfusion chamber (w/o) Without ring
(gr) Glass ring: ID +/- 19 mm, OD 24 mm, height 6 / 12 mm
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
pMEA32S12 Layout 2
Perforated MEA for use with MEA2100-32- and USB-MEA32-STIM4-System
CH21
CH20
CH17
CH18
REF
CH23
CH22
CH25
CH26
The oval area of the pMEA chip is perforated
Electrode layout in the grid
S 2
90 μm
S 5
90 μm
A 4 A 7 A10 A13 A16 A19 A22 A25 A28 A31
Direction to Amplifier
CH19
CH29
CH16
CH13
CH12
CH11
CH14
CH15
CH10
CH 8
CH 6
CH 4
CH 2
CH 9
CH 7
CH 5
CH 3
CH 1
STG25
STG23
STG22
STG21
STG16
STG15
S10 S 4
CH31
CH32
CH24
CH27
CH28
CH30
STG24
STG26
STG13
STG12
STG11
STG14
S 1
S 3
S 7
50 μm
100 μm
S 9
150 μm
A 1 A 3 A 6 A 9 A12 A15 A18 A21 A24 A27 A30 A32
A 2 A 5 A 8 A11 A14 A17 A20 A23 A26 A29
30 μm
A = recording electrode
S = stimulation electrode
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
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www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
S11
S 8
S 6
S12
pMEA32S12 Layout 2
Perforated MEA for use with MEA2100-32- and USB-MEA32-STIM4-System
MC_Rack channel map: pMEA-32S12-L2_12x3.cmp
5 2 8 14 13 19 21 22 31 27
1 3 9 6 15 12 17 20 25 32 28 30
7 4 10 11 16 29 18 23 26 24
The MC_Rack channel map is build analog to the layout of the recording electrodes in the grid.
A 4 A 7 A10 A13 A16 A19 A22 A25 A28 A31
A 1 A 3 A 6 A 9 A12 A15 A18 A21 A24 A27 A30 A32
A 2 A 5 A 8 A11 A14 A17 A20 A23 A26 A29
Table:
Correlation of MC_Rack channels and recording electrodes
A = Number of recording electrode, CH = Channel number in MC_Rack
S = Number of stimulation electrode, STG = Internal stimulus generator connection,
REF = Reference electrode
S 1 STG 23
S 2 STG 25
S 3 STG 22
S 4 STG 24
S 5 STG 21
S 6 STG 26
A 9 CH 6
A 6 CH 9
A 10 CH 8
A 12 CH 15
A 2 CH 7
A 8 CH 10
A 13 CH 14
A 4 CH 5
A 5 CH 4
A 11 CH 11
A 3 CH 3
A 16 CH 13
A 15 CH 12
A 1 CH 1
A 7 CH 2
A 14 CH 16
REF
STG 16 S 7
STG 13 S 8
STG 15 S 9
STG 12 S 10
STG 14 S 11
STG 11 S 12
CH 30 A 32
CH 31 A 28
CH 29 A 17
CH 28 A 30
CH 19 A 19
CH 17 A 18
CH 27 A 31
CH 26 A 26
CH 18 A 20
CH 24 A 29
CH 23 A 23
CH 21 A 22
CH 32 A 27
CH 22 A 25
CH 20 A 21
CH 25 A 24
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
pMEA32S12 Layout 3
Perforated MEA for use with MEA2100-32- and USB-MEA32-STIM4-System
Technical Specifications pMEA32S12 Layout 3
Temperature compatibility 10 - 50 °C
Dimension (W x D x H) 49 mm x 25 mm x 1.8 mm
Base material Polyimide foil on ceramic carrier with perforation
Perforation:
Total area of holes 0.8 mm
2
Diameter of the holes 90, 75, 50, 30, 20 m
Track material Ti (Titanium)
Contact pads TiN (Titanium nitride)
Electrode diameter 30 m (recording electrodes) 50 m (stimulation electrodes)
Interelectrode distance (centre to centre) 90 m and 150 m (recording electrodes),
90 m and 100 m (stimulation electrodes)
Electrode height Planar
Electrode type TiN (Titanium nitride) electrodes
Isolation type Polyimide foil
Electrode impedance Approximately 30 - 50 k
Electrode layout grid 1 x 10 + 1 x 12 + 1 x 10 (recording electrodes),
3 x 4 (stimulation electrodes)
Number of recording electrodes 32
Number of stimulation electrodes 12
Number of reference electrodes 1 internal reference electrode
MC_Rack “Source layout” Configuration (MEA2100-32)
in “Data Source Setup” 1 dimensional, no digital channel (USB-MEA32-STIM4)
Channel map pMEA-32S12-L3_12x3.cmp
Cleaning Rinse with distilled water.
Do not use ultrasonic bath!
Do not autoclave or sterilize pMEAs by heat.
These MEA types are not heat-stable and will be irreversibly damaged!
pMEA perfusion chamber (w/o) Without ring
(gr) Glass ring: ID +/- 19 mm, OD 24 mm, height 6 / 12 mm
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
pMEA32S12 Layout 3
Perforated MEA for use with MEA2100-32- and USB-MEA32-STIM4-System
The oval area of the pMEA chip is perforated
90 μm
Direction to Amplifier
CH17
CH19
CH29
CH16
CH13
CH12
CH11
CH14
CH15
CH10
CH 8
CH 6
CH 4
CH18
CH 2
CH21
CH 9
CH20
CH 7
CH 5
CH 3
REF
CH 1
STG25
STG23
STG21
STG22
90 μm
CH23
STG16
CH22
STG15
CH25
CH26
CH31
CH32
CH24
CH27
CH28
CH30
STG24
STG26
STG13
STG12
STG11
STG14
A 4 A 7 A10 A13 A16 A19 A22 A25 A28 A31
150 μm
A 1 A 3 A 6 A 9 A12 A15 A18 A21 A24 A27 A30 A32
A 2 A 5 A 8 A11 A14 A17 A20 A23 A26 A29
30 μm
A = recording electrode
S = stimulation electrode
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
100 μm
S 6 S10 S 8
S 4
S 2
S 1
S11
S 7
S 3
S12
S 9
S 5
50 μm
pMEA32S12 Layout 3
Perforated MEA for use with MEA2100-32- and USB-MEA32-STIM4-System
MC_Rack channel map: pMEA-32S12-L3_12x3.cmp
19 17 18 21 23 22 26 31 32 24
13 16 29 12 20 11 4 25 7 27 28 30
14 15 10 8 6 2 9 5 3 1
The MC_Rack channel map is build analog to the layout of the recording electrode in the grid.
A 4 A 7 A10 A13 A16 A19 A22 A25 A28 A31
A 1 A 3 A 6 A 9 A12 A15 A18 A21 A24 A27 A30 A32
A 2 A 5 A 8 A11 A14 A17 A20 A23 A26 A29
Table:
Correlation of MC_Rack channels and recording electrodes
A = Number of recording electrode, CH = Channel number in MC_Rack
S = Number of stimulation electrode, STG = Internal stimulus generator connection
REF = Reference electrode
S 1 STG 23
S 2 STG 25
S 3 STG 22
S 4 STG 24
S 5 STG 21
S 6 STG 26
A 14 CH 6
A 20 CH 9
A 11 CH 8
A 5 CH 15
A 24 CH 7
A 8 CH 10
A 2 CH 14
A 23 CH 5
A 18 CH 4
A 15 CH 11
A 26 CH 3
A 1 CH 13
A 9 CH 12
A 29 CH 1
A 17 CH 2
A 3 CH 16
REF
STG 16 S 7
STG 13 S 8
STG 15 S 9
STG 12 S 10
STG 14 S 11
STG 11 S 12
CH 30 A 32
CH 31 A 25
CH 29 A 6
CH 28 A 30
CH 19 A 4
CH 17 A 7
CH 27 A 27
CH 26 A 22
CH 18 A 10
CH 24 A 31
CH 23 A 16
CH 21 A 13
CH 32 A 28
CH 22 A 19
CH 20 A 12
CH 25 A 21
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
pMEA32S12 Layout 4
Perforated MEA for use with MEA2100-32- and USB-MEA32-STIM4-System
Technical Specifications pMEA32S12 Layout 4
Temperature compatibility 10 - 50 °C
Dimension (W x D x H) 49 mm x 25 mm x 1.8 mm
Base material Polyimide foil on ceramic carrier with perforation
Perforation:
Total area of holes 0.8 mm
2
Diameter of the holes 90, 75, 50, 30, 20 m
Track material Ti (Titanium)
Contact pads TiN (Titanium nitride)
Electrode diameter 30 m (recording electrodes) 50 m (stimulation electrodes)
Interelectrode distance (centre to centre) 100 m and 100 m (recording electrodes),
100 m and 100 m (stimulation electrodes)
Electrode height Planar
Electrode type TiN (Titanium nitride) electrodes
Isolation type Polyimide foil
Electrode impedance Approximately 30 - 50 k
Electrode layout grid 4 x 8 (recording electrodes),
2 x 6 (stimulation electrodes)
Number of recording electrodes 32
Number of stimulation electrodes 12
Number of reference electrodes 1 internal reference electrode
MC_Rack “Source layout” Configuration (MEA2100-32)
in “Data Source Setup” 1 dimensional, no digital channel (USB-MEA32-STIM4)
Channel map pMEA-32S12-L4_8x4.cmp
Cleaning Rinse with distilled water.
Do not use ultrasonic bath!
Do not autoclave or sterilize pMEAs by heat.
These MEA types are not heat-stable and will be rreversibly damaged!
pMEA perfusion chamber (w/o) Without ring
(gr) Glass ring: ID +/- 19 mm, OD 24 mm, height 6 / 12 mm
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
pMEA32S12 Layout 4
Perforated MEA for use with MEA2100-32- and USB-MEA32-STIM4-System
The oval area of the pMEA chip is perforated
Electrode layout in the grid
100 μm
STG15
CH29
CH15
CH14
CH11
CH12
CH13
CH 2
Direction to Amplifier
CH 4
CH 6
CH 8
CH10
STG14
CH 1
STG11
STG26
STG24
CH 3
CH 5
CH 7
CH 9
REF
STG13
STG21
STG16
CH19
STG22
STG23
CH17
CH23
STG25
CH18
CH31
CH32
CH22
CH16
CH20
CH26
CH21
CH30
CH25
CH24
CH28
CH27
STG12
S 9
A29 A25 A21 A17 A13 A 9 A 5 A 1
S11 S 3
S12
S 6 S 4
100 μm
A30 A26 A22 A18 A14 A10 A 6 A 2
A31 A27 A23 A19 A15 A11 A 7 A 3
A32 A28 A24 A20 A16 A12 A 8 A 4
30 μm
S 8 S 7
S 5
S 1
S 2 S10
50 μm
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
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www.multichannelsystems.com
0
A = recording electrode
S = stimulation electrode
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
pMEA32S12 Layout 4
Perforated MEA for use with MEA2100-32- and USB-MEA32-STIM4-System
MC_Rack channel map: pMEA-32S12-L4_8x4.cmp
11 14 15 29 19 23 17 18
2 13 12 4 16 31 32 22
8 10 1 6 20 30 21 26
3 5 7 9 27 28 24 25
The MC_Rack channel map is build analog to the layout of the recording electrode in the grid.
A29 A25 A21 A17 A13 A 9 A 5 A 1
A30 A26 A22 A18 A14 A10 A 6 A 2
A 31 A27 A23 A19 A15 A11 A 7 A 3
A32 A28 A24 A20 A16 A12 A 8 A 4
Table:
Correlation of MC_Rack channels and recording electrodes
A = Number of recording electrode, CH = Channel number in MC_Rack
S = Number of stimulation electrode, STG = Internal stimulus generator connection
REF = Reference electrode
S 1 STG 23
S 2 STG 25
S 3 STG 22
S 4 STG 24
S 5 STG 21
S 6 STG 26
A 19 CH 6
A 20 CH 9
A 31 CH 8
A 21 CH 15
A 24 CH 7
A 27 CH 10
A 25 CH 14
A 28 CH 5
A 18 CH 4
A 29 CH 11
A 32 CH 3
A 26 CH 13
A 22 CH 12
A 23 CH 1
A 30 CH 2
A 14 CH 16
REF
STG 16 S 7
STG 13 S 8
STG 15 S 9
STG 12 S 10
STG 14 S 11
STG 11 S 12
CH 30 A 11
CH 31 A 10
CH 29 A 17
CH 28 A 12
CH 19 A 13
CH 17 A 5
CH 27 A 16
CH 26 A 3
CH 18 A 1
CH 24 A 8
CH 23 A 9
CH 21 A 7
CH 32 A 6
CH 22 A 2
CH 20 A 15
CH 25 A 4
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-7121-9 09 25Fax
+49-7121-9 09 25-11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
0
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Product information is subject to change
without notice.
60-6wellMEA
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
32
21
33
44
43
42
41
53
54
61
62
63
72
82
83
73
64
74
84
85
75
65
86
76
87
77
66
78
67
68
55
56
58
57
47
48
46
45
38
37
28
36
27
17
26
16
35
25
15
14
24
34
13
23
12
22
A2
A3
A4
A6
A8
A9
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
B7
B8
B9
D1
D2
D3
D4
D5
D6
D7
D8
D9
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6
C7
C8
C9
E1
E2
E3
E4
E5
E6
E7
E8
E9
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
F6
F7
F8
F9
A7
A8
A9
A4
A5
A6
A1
A2
A3
B7
B4
B1
B8
B2
B5
B3
B6
B9
C7
C4
C1
C8
C2
C5
C3
C6
C9
D7
D4
D1
D8
D2
D5
D3
D6
D9
E7
E4
E1
E8
E2
E5
E3
E6
E9
F7
F4
F1
F8
F2
F5
F3
F6
F9
33
A1
Electrode Layout
22
12
23
13
34
24
14
15
25
35
16
26
17
27
A1
33
33
The letter-digit code is the electrode identifier and refers to the position of the electrode
in the 60-6wellMEA.
The specified amplifier pin numbers are the MEA-System channel numbers that are used
in MC_Rack program. The pin numbers 32, 61, 84, 67, 38, and 15 are grounded.
33
F6
21
F9
32
GND
313144
A4
A7
43
A1
41
A8
42
5252515153
A2
A5
A3
A6
54
A9
GND
61
62
B7
F3
F5
F2
F8
F1
F4
F7
MCS
F1
F2
F4
F3
F5
F7
F6
F8
A1A1A2
A4
A7A7A8
F9
F
A3
A5A5A6
A9
A
B1
B4
B7
B8
B
B5
B9
B2
B3
B6
C7
GND
E9
E6
E3
E5
E3
E6
E2
E9
E5
E1
E8
E4
E7
E
D
D8
D9
D6
D5
D2
D3
C
D7
D4
D1
C9
C8
C6
C5
C3
C4
C1
C2
E2
E8
E1
E4
E7
GND
D9
D6
D3
D5
D2
D8
D1
D4
D7
GND
717163
B4
B1
B2
B5
B3
B6
B9
GND
C7
C4
C1
C8
C2
C5
C3
C9
C6
B8
72
82
73
83
64
74
84
85
75
65
86
76
87
77
36
28
37
38
45
46
48
47
57
58
56
55
68
67
78
66
© 2012 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
60-6wellMEA
Electrode layout inside each well Example: Well A
3131 4444
4343
A 1A 1
A 4A 4
A 7A 7
Electrode identifier code refering to the position
in the 60-6wellMEA.
42424141 5252 5151 5353
A 2A 2
A 5A 5
A 8A 8 A 9A 9
A 3A 3
A 6A 6
5454
MEA amplifier pin numbers
Overwiev:
MEA amplifier pin numbers (digit)
and correspondent electrode identifier
code (letter-digit) inside each well.
A B C D E F
1 43 63 65 56 36 34
2 42 82 76 57 17 23
3 51 83 77 48 16 22
4 44 71 75 55 28 24
5 52 73 87 47 26 12
6 53 64 66 46 35 33
7 31 62 85 68 37 14
8 41 72 86 58 27 13
9 54 74 78 45 25 21
GND 32 61 84 67 38 15
Important: Please insert the 60-6wellMEA into the MEA amplifier with the writing on the
MEA chip (in this example MCS) on the left side viewed from the front, with the sockets
of the MEA1060 amplifier or the articulation of the MEA2100 headstage in the back.
Well A
Well BWell F
MCS
Well E
Well C
Well D
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
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