A modular 256-channel Micro Electrode Array platform for in vitro and in vivo neural stimulation and recording: BioMEA™

In order to understand the dynamics of large neural networks, where information is widely distributed over thousands of cells, one of today´s challenges is to successfully monitor the simultaneous activity of as many neurons as possible. This is made possible by using the Micro-Electrode Array (MEA) technology allowing neural cell culture and/or tissue slice experimentation in vitro. Thanks to development of microelectronics´ technologies, a novel data acquisition system based on MEA technology has been developed, the BioMEA™. It combines the most advanced MEA biochips with integrated electronics, and a novel user-friendly software interface. To move from prototype (result of the RMNT research project NEUROCOM) to manufactured product, a number of changes have been made. Here, we present a 256-channel MEA data acquisition system with integrated electronics (BioMEA™) allowing simultaneous recording and stimulation of neural networks for in vitro and in vivo applications. This integration is a first step towards an implantable device for BCI (Brain Computer Interface) studies and neural prosthesis.