Microelectrode array technology for organoids and microphysiological systems

Trends in biotechnology

Abstract

Organoids and microphysiological systems (MPS) constitute relevant in vitro (patho)physiological models, complementary to two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures and animal studies, by recapitulating in vivo three-dimensional (3D) tissue microenvironments outside the human body. Advanced microtechnologies enable electro-mechanical stimulation of cell activity and the recording of electrophysiological signals for dynamic and continuous, label-free monitoring of these models. Consequently, the extension from 2D cultures to organoids and MPS necessitates a corresponding transition from planar 2D-microelectrode arrays (MEAs) to 3D MEAs to assess the electrical activity of complex 3D tissue networks. In this review, we outline recent advances in the 3D MEA landscape and elaborate on future trends of 3D MEA-integrated multifunctional platforms, highlighting challenges and opportunities.

Authors 5

1. Alp Timuçin Toymuş corresponding

   Delft University of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Microelectronics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands. Electronic address: a.t.toymus@tudelft.nl

2. Tawab Karim

   Delft University of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Microelectronics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands

3. Jean‐Philippe Frimat Aachen Department of Human Genetics

   Leiden University · Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden 2333, ZC, The Netherlands

4. Femke M. S. de Vrij

   Erasmus MC

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

5. Massimo Mastrangeli corresponding

   Delft University of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Microelectronics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands. Electronic address: m.mastrangeli@tudelft.nl