In vitro multielectrode array (MEA) technology is a sophisticated method used to measure and analyze the electrical activity of cells in a controlled laboratory setting.
While both standard and high-density MEA systems serve similar purposes, they differ in key attributes, including electrode density, resolution, scalability, and the applications for which they are best suited.
Understanding these differences is important when selecting an MEA for your lab.
What is HD-MEA?
HD-MEA, or high-density MEA, is a type of MEA based on complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), technology developed for digital cameras. CMOS electrodes have been altered to measure voltage instead of light for HD-MEA applications. As a result, HD-MEA often features hundreds or thousands of electrodes in a compact area but typically have a lower signal-to-noise.
Want to learn more about MEA?
For more information on MEA technology, visit our MEA Technology page.
When to choose MEA or HD-MEA
The major difference between standard MEA and HD-MEA comes down to throughput vs. resolution. The increased resolution of HD-MEA is ideal for tracking specific activity within a culture, such as mapping specific circuits within a slice or measuring subcellular phenomenon like axon propagation. When comparing activity profiles between multiple conditions, however, increasing replicates (wells) with standard MEAs will save time and have a larger impact on data quality than increasing measurements within a replicate. Researchers comparing disease lines, screening compounds, or developing therapies often use standard MEAs because you can run larger experiments faster, easier, and with lower cost.
If the application is to compare between conditions, standard MEA is usually preferred. If it is to isolate cells within a population, HD-MEA is advantageous.
Advantages of standard MEA and HD-MEA
Standard MEA advantages:
>> Higher well formats for testing multiple conditions
>> Significantly lower consumable costs
>> Well-established technology with strong publication record
>> Diverse integrated plate features available including transparency for multiplexing and imaging
HD-MEA advantages:
>> More sample points within a well
>> Closer electrode spacing for tracking regions within a culture
>> Subcellular measurements, like axon propagation, possible
Challenges of HD-MEA
- 1. Throughput and ease-of-use: The lower throughput can increase the time and effort to perform experiments and the added complexity of HD-MEAs can require specialized knowledge to operate, maintain, and analyze effectively.
- 2. Cost: CMOS HD-MEA plates require the signal processing built into the consumable, instead of the system like standard MEA, significantly driving up plate cost.
- 3. Data management: Each electrode collects large amounts of data. Managing, analyzing, and extracting meaningful information from such large datasets requires specialized (expensive) software, powerful computing resources, and advanced algorithms.
- 4. Noise and cross-talk: Cross-talk can occur between electrodes of close physical proximity, leading to potential inaccuracies in the interpretation of electrophysiological data.
- 5. Heat dissipation: Integrated circuits for amplification and processing directly below the cell culture can lead to heat dissipation issues. Cellular activity can be very sensitive to fluctuations in temperature.
What to know before you buy an MEA system
Looking to purchase an MEA system? Download this buyer’s checklist for key considerations and tips for choosing your next MEA system. Our guide will walk you through the steps:
- 1. Defining your needs
- 2. Evaluating product features
- 3. Ease of use
- 4. Costs
- 5. What to look for when you demo
- 6. Onboarding and support
- 7. Vendor reputation
Frequently asked questions about HD-MEA and MEA
What are the benefits to using multielectrode array in my studies?
MEAs are high-throughput in vitro systems that record from multiple electrodes simultaneously. This can be performed noninvasively, label-free, and in real time from cells or organoids.
Do MEA and HD-MEA systems have features other than electrode count that differentiate them?
Yes. There are many MEA systems (including HD-MEA) on the market with different capabilities. MEA systems may differentiate themselves with electrical or optical stimulation, multimodal capabilities (e.g., contractility, action potentials, viability), plate options, and environmental controls. It is important to consider all of your needs before choosing a system.
How many wells can MEA simultaneously measure?
The Maestro Pro by Axion BioSystems has the highest well throughput. 96 wells (8 electrodes/well) can be measured simultaneously.
How does the cost of MEA and HD-MEA compare?
The major cost differentiators between MEA and HD-MEA are consumables and software. MEA and HD-MEA systems are available at a similar range of prices depending on the features and throughputs you are looking for. HD-MEA plates are more expensive (2-3x) than standard MEA plates. This cost increases significantly when comparing the price per well. The software is also far more expensive, due to the complexity of analyzing thousands of electrodes.
Can both MEAs and HD-MEAs be used for long-term recordings?
Yes, both types of MEA technology may be used for long-term recording. When looking to run longer experiments it is important to ensure your MEA system has appropriate environmental controls and the MEA plates have good biocompatibility. This will minimize stress on your cells and ensure culture quality for the whole duration. Maestro MEA has multizone heating, 360° CO2 injections, and humidity controls to ensure a quality recording environment.
What kind of electrode materials are used in MEA and HD-MEA?
Electrode material can influence the experimental results by influencing the biocompatibility of the MEA, signal quality, and durability. MEA electrodes are made of metal (gold, platinum, etc.) or conductive polymers (PEDOT) whereas HD-MEAs are made from complementary metal-oxide-semiconductors. CytoView MEA plates, for example, are made with PEDOT electrodes and plastic to optimize signal quality and cell culture compatibility.
Are HD-MEA plates transparent?
No, but Axion BioSystems' CytoView MEA plates are transparent, allowing for imaging and multiplexing in the same plate. Learn how with our Connected Lab.
When did MEA and HD-MEA systems become commercially available?
MEA has been commercially available for decades but the current high-throughput versions started with the launch of Maestro MEA in 2011. That same year the first commercially-available HD-MEA system was launched, followed shortly by other competitors.
Why aren’t HD-MEAs available in higher throughputs?
The throughput problem of HD-MEAs becomes one of data transfer and heat generation. MEA and HD-MEAs generate similar amounts of data per electrode. Drastically increasing the number of electrodes simultaneously recorded can generate more data than a computer can process in a given time frame. Additionally, the signal processing occurs in a CMOS plate instead of the system. This generates heat directly below the cells which can damage cell health if too much is generated too fast.
Are HD-MEAs better for slice work?
The high resolution of HD-MEAs is advantageous for slice work as it is easier to ensure electrodes are on important regions you wish to record. Perfusion compatibility and slice attachment, critical for good signals, are also important considerations.
How hard is it to analyze MEA and HD-MEA data?
The difficulty of data analysis depends on the software tools provided by the MEA supplier. However, in general, significantly increasing the number of electrodes to analyze, like in HD-MEA, will increase the processing time. Maestro MEA software is designed to be user friendly and provides a wide range of neural and cardiac metrics.
Reveal more with Maestro
There’s no easier way to add detailed electrophysiological profiling to your research. See why Maestro MEA is trusted in hundreds of labs worldwide.
>> High quality functional data and powerful analysis
>> Easy to perform assays
>> Noninvasive, real-time measurements
>> Customizable options with up to 96 wells measured simultaneously
>> Powerful, versatile tool for every neural or cardiac lab
Learn how MEA can empower your research
Maestro MEA Brochure
Neural Activity Brochure
Cardiac Activity Brochure
