Novel MEA platform with PDMS microtunnels enables the detection of action potential propagation from isolated axons in culture.

This study investigated a novel multi-electrode-array (MEA) design capable of long-term and highly selective recordings of axonal signals using PDMS microtunnels. We successfully grew neurons in culture so that only axons extended through narrow (10 microm wide by 3 microm high) and long (750 microm) microtunnels under which multiple electrodes were integrated. This permitted the recording of relatively large (up to 200 microV) electrical signals, including the propagation speed and direction of these travelling action potentials.