3D high-density microelectrode array with optical stimulation and drug delivery for investigating neural circuit dynamics

Investigation of neural circuit dynamics is crucial for deciphering the functional connections among regions of the brain and understanding the mechanism of brain dysfunction. Despite the advancements of neural circuit models in vitro, technologies for both precisely monitoring and modulating neural activities within three-dimensional (3D) neural circuit models have yet to be developed. Specifically, no existing 3D microelectrode arrays (MEAs) have integrated capabilities to stimulate surrounding neurons and to monitor the temporal evolution of the formation of a neural network in real time. Herein, we present a 3D high-density multifunctional MEA with optical stimulation and drug delivery for investigating neural circuit dynamics within engineered 3D neural tissues. We demonstrate precise measurements of synaptic latencies in 3D neural networks. We expect our 3D multifunctional MEA to open up opportunities for studies of neural circuits through precise, in vitro investigations of neural circuit dynamics with 3D brain models. Currently technologies for monitoring and controlling neural activities in 3D models are lacking. Here the authors report a 3D high-density multielectrode array, with optical stimulation and drug delivery, to investigate neural circuit dynamics in engineered 3D neural tissues.