CMOS-Based High-Density Microelectrode Arrays: Technology and Applications

Functional analysis of brain activity requires high-throughput and high-resolution tools for observation and manipulation. One approach is the use of microelectrode arrays (MEAs) for long-term in vitro extracellular recording of electrical activity from multiple neurons. Electrodes arranged on a planar substrate detect electric signals from surrounding neurons produced by ionic current flow through the cell membranes. Despite the advantages, MEA data analyses have been limited to extract parameters as a population average (e.g., firing rate). In order to extract information at the single-neuron or subcellular level, MEAs with high spatiotemporal resolution and good signal quality are required. In this chapter, we introduce the current trends on the technology and applications of complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor or CMOS-based high-density microelectrode arrays (HDMEAs). We review the recent HDMEA applications that facilitate single neuron and neuronal network studies and accelerate drug screening and biomarker discovery.