A 3D-CNT micro-electrode array for zebrafish ECG study including directionality measurement and drug test

Abstract This study aims to demonstrate the applicability of three dimensional-carbon-nanotubes (3D-CNT) micro-electrode array for electrocardiogram (ECG) study on the premier vertebrate model zebrafish. The small-feature size and vectorial array of 3D-CNT micro-electrodes were designed to detect ECG signals with high spatial resolution. With 30 μm–85 μm spacing between electrodes, it enables to detect the directionality of the ECG signals, the change of the characteristic ECG wave-forms at different locations of an adult zebrafish heart. Besides, the preliminary drug response tests using 3D-CNT micro-electrode were also carried out, which validated the capability of real-time observation on drug-induced ECG signal changes. The 3D-CNT micro-electrode array is thus feasible for ECG research and cardiac drug screenings, and holds high potential for studying bioelectric signals of other living organisms in the future.