What are micro-electrode arrays?

Micro-electrode arrays (MEAs) are devices that allow for the recording of electrical activity from multiple neurons simultaneously.

How are hiPSCs differentiated into neurons?

hiPSCs are cultured under specific conditions that promote their differentiation into neuronal lineages.

What role do astrocytes play in neuron cultures?

Astrocytes provide structural and metabolic support to neurons, enhancing their survival and function in culture.

What is the significance of recording action potentials?

Recording action potentials is crucial for understanding neuronal communication and network dynamics.

How is data from MEAs analyzed?

Data is analyzed using specialized software that processes the recorded signals to extract meaningful electrophysiological information.

Measuring the Electrophysiological Activity of Neuronal Networks Using Micro-Electrode Arrays

JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments

Neuroscience

0 views • 2:05 min • July 8th, 2025

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Begin with a neuron-astrocyte co-culture in a multi-well micro-electrode array or MEA.

Each well contains a network of neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, or hiPSCs. The rat astrocytes provide support for maintaining the network.

The base of the wells contains a grid of tiny electrodes.

Place the MEA in a recording device to capture the spontaneous electrophysiological activity of the neuronal network.

Flow a humidified gas mixture into the culture to prevent media evaporation and stabilize the pH, ensuring cell viability.

Neurons transmit signals via electrical impulses, known as action potentials, that travel along their axons.

Upon reaching the synapse, the impulse triggers the release of neurotransmitters, which propagate the signal to the next neuron.

The electrodes within each well simultaneously record action potentials generated by multiple synaptically connected neurons.

The spontaneous electrophysiological activity of the neuronal network confirms the differentiation of hiPSCs into neurons.

Acquire the data at 1,200 times amplification and sample the signal at 10 kilohertz using the MCS data acquisition card. Record 20 minutes of electrophysiological activity of hiPSC-derived neurons cultured on MEAs. During the recording, maintain the temperature at 37 degrees Celcius and prevent medium evaporation and pH changes by delivering a constant slow flow of humidified gas onto the MEAs. After that, analyze the data using a custom software package.