Application of a PDMS microstencil as a replaceable insulator toward a single-use planar microelectrode array

Biomed Microdevices. 2006 Dec;8(4):375-81. doi: 10.1007/s10544-006-9145-9.

Abstract

Here we present a novel idea for a replaceable insulator, and thus advance toward the goal of a single-use planar microelectrode array (MEA) for the study of electrogenic tissues. The concept of a replaceable insulator is motivated by insulator degradation after repeated usage of an MEA. Instead of fabricating a more durable insulator for repeated MEA usage, we propose replacing the insulator and effectively producing a fresh MEA for each experiment. We chose a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microstencil as a candidate for the replaceable insulator as it is biocompatible, shows reversible adhesion to surfaces, and can be easily and controllably fabricated. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate two applications using microstencils: the rejuvenation of an old MEA and the fabrication of a single-use MEA. These MEAs were tested with dissociated neural cell cultures and neural recordings were performed at 14 days in vitro. Inexpensive and quick supply of insulators with micrometer-sized holes provides a way of constructing an MEA that can be treated as a disposable component in high throughput cell-based biosensor applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biosensing Techniques* / instrumentation
  • Biosensing Techniques* / methods
  • Cell Culture Techniques / instrumentation
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods
  • Membrane Potentials / physiology
  • Microelectrodes
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred F344
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley