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In addition to classical electrophysiological methodology, Creative Bioarray offers ex vivo test systems based on Microelectrode Array (MEA) recordings in order to analyze complex drug effects on ion channel interactions and cell signaling in cellular networks including stem-cell derived approaches, tissue slices and isolated organs.
A Multi-Electrode Array is an array made of microscopic metal electrodes (10-30 μm of diameter) distributed on a small surface area (~0.8-6 mm²). They are either regularly distributed or can be arranged to match closely the spatial organization of the tissue investigated. In neuroscience research, these small electrodes (coated with an inert and biocompatible metal) are used for recording electrical signals related to neuronal activities within the slice. MEA recordings allow mid-throughput testing capabilities for compound screening and profiling. The MEA technology enables parallel and multi-site extra-cellular recordings within a single brain slice and provides an exceptional macroscopic view of neuronal networks.
Microelectrode array (MEA) is one of the most sophisticated and efficacious technologies for measuring changes in spontaneously-active cells, such as cardiomyocytes and neurons. With our decades expertise in the production of MEA test, we are experts in the development and application of MEA-based drug screening approaches.
In cardiac safety analysis, our MEA tests can be applied for human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived ventricular cardiomyocytes functional detection. The iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes are suitable for electrophysiology-based microelectrode array (MEA) assays that are relevant for predictive preclinical safety pharmacology, toxicology and efficacy testing. The combination of iPSC-derived Cardiomyocytes and our MEA system enables detailed electrophysiological detection of potential cardiotoxic/pro-arrhythmic effects of compounds (e.g. ion-channel blockers) in a non-invasive, label-free throughput up to 96 wells. MEA, as a high-throughput functional platform, can be applied to the detection of prolongation, alterations in beat rate, proarrhythmic events, and dysregulation of conduction by measuring the extracellular voltage of beating cardiomyocyte cultures.