Three-Dimensional Metal Transfer Micromolded Microelectrode Arrays (MEAS) for In-Vitro Brain Slice Recordings

We report successful electrical characterization and electrophysiological recordings from hippocampal brain slices using metal transfer micromolded three-dimensional microelectrode arrays (3-D MEAs). These MEAs have been fabricated on polymer substrates using metal transfer micromolding. They have further been packaged on glass substrates and insulated using parylene deposition. Recording sites have been defined using laser micromachining and RIE etching. Initial electrical and electrophysiological characterization of the MEAs has been successfully demonstrated in this paper. We believe this fabrication approach enables manufacturing-friendly batch fabrication of truly disposable, biocompatible and cost-effective MEAs, which will be indispensable to the neurophysiology and pharmacology communities.