Recent trends in microelectrode array technology for in vitro neural interface platform

Microelectrode array (MEA) technology is a widely used platform for the study of in vitro neural networks as it can either record or stimulate neurons by accessing multiple sites of neural circuits simultaneously. Unlike intracellular recording techniques, MEAs form noninvasive interface with cells so that they provides relatively long time window for studying neural circuits. As the technology matured, there have been various engineering solutions to meet the requirements in diverse application areas of MEAs: High-density MEAs, high-throughput platforms, flexible electrodes, monitoring subthreshold activity, co-culture platforms, and surface micropatterning. The MEA technology has been applied to neural network analysis, drug screening and neural prostheses studies. In this paper, the MEA technology is reviewed and the future prospect is discussed. © 2014 Korean Society of Medical and Biological Engineering and Springer.