MEA-System Manual
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted without the express written permission of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information contained in this document or from the use of programs and source code that may accompany it.
Table of Contents 1 Important Information and Instructions 5 1.1 Operator's Obligations 5 1.2 Guarantee and Liability 5 1.3 Important Safety Advice 6 2 Welcome to MEA-Systems 9 2.1 Basic Components ofMEA-Systems 9 2.2 System Configurations and Optional Components 10 2.2.1 Single Components for Standard-Systems 10 2.2.2 Enhanced Perfusion-System (-E) 10 2.2.3 MEA1060-BC Amplifier with Stimulus Artifact Suppression 2.2.4 MEA60 and MEA120-System 11 2.2.
5 Appendix 25 5.1 Contact Information 25 5.2 Ordering Information 26 5.2.1 MEA-Systems 26 5.2.2 MEA Amplifiers 27 5.2.3 Accessories 27 5.2.
Important Information and Instructions 1 Important Information and Instructions 1.
MEA-System Manual 1.3 Important Safety Advice Warning: ME- / MEA-Systems include several instruments as individual components. Each instrument is shipped with a separate Manual. The information in the individual Manuals fully apply to the complete-System. This manual is only to be understood as an additional information. Read all Manuals thoroughly before setting up the system. Warning: Obey always the rules of local regulations and laws.
Important Information and Instructions Requirements for the installation The MC_Card is only suitable for extra-low voltages and shall be used only as specified. The equipment shall be correctly earthed or connected to the ground. The analog inputs should be closed or connected to active signals. Connections to all inputs and outputs shall be made with screened cables specified by Multi Channel Systems. The screen has to be connected to a solid earth or chassis connection.
Welcome to MEA-Systems 2 Welcome to MEA-Systems 2.1 Basic Components of MEA-Systems Multi Channel Systemss provides complete solutions for stimulation, perfusion, recording, and data acquisition from up to 128 channels, data analysis and export. The MEA (microelectrode array) product line is intended for extracellular electrophysiological recordings in vitro.
MEA-System Manual 2.2 System Configurations and Optional Components Multi Channel Systems provides several complete standard configurations and custom systems. This chapter will give you an overview on different system configurations. Please see also the handout Microelectrode Array Systems System Suggestions, which shows diagrams of several typical setups. Please note that you have various options for setting up your personal MEA-System configuration.
Welcome to MEA-Systems 2.2.3 MEA1060-BC Amplifier with Stimulus Artifact Suppression All systems are available with MEA1060-BC amplifiers with blanking circuit featuring stimulus artifact suppression. Electrodes can be selected for recording or stimulation with the MEA_Select program. 2.2.
MEA-System Manual 2.4 Add-ons for Stimulation MCS provides general-purpose stimulators like the advanced 4000 series with 2, 4 or 8 channels. The flexible MC_Stimulus software enables complex stimulus waveforms (both current and voltage). Waveforms designed in the program or imported from an external file are converted by the STG into pulses, which are sent to stimulating electrodes. Stimulus isolation units are integrated in the STG for each channel.
Welcome to MEA-Systems 7. Optional: Connect digital (TTL) input sources to the BNC connectors labeled Digital IN (Bits 0, 1, 2). If you have only one instrument for triggering recording (for example the Sync Out of a stimulus generator), connect it to bit 0. In MC_Rack, add a Trigger Detector to your virtual rack, and select the Digital Data D1 input stream as the Trigger. Select the appropriate logical state (generally HIGH) for triggering. Mask all unused bits.
MEA-System Manual 3 Extracellular Recording from MEAs 3.1 Introduction Over the last 30 years, non-invasive extracellular recording from multiple electrodes has developed into a widely used standard method. Systems and methods have been greatly improved, leading to more features, higher throughput, and lower costs. Almost all excitable or electrogenic cells and tissues can be used for extracellular recording in vitro, for example, central or peripheral neurons, heart cells, retina, or muscle cells. 3.
Extracellular Recording from MEAs 3.3 Signal Types 3.3.1 Single Unit Activities Usually several cells are plated onto a MEA. The waveform of a single unit spike depends on the signal source, the geometry of the extracellular space, and the distance of the signal source to the electrode. The property of a waveform derived from a single neuron is reproducible over time and therefore specific for that neuron.
MEA-System Manual 3.4.1 Microelectrode Arrays (MEAs) The recording field of a standard MEA is a square grid of 8x8 electrodes with a total length between 120 μm to 5 mm, in the middle of a circular (about 2 cm wide) recording / culture chamber. The layout of the MEA electrodes follows the scheme of a standard grid: The first digit is the column number, and the second digit is the row number. For example, electrode 23 is positioned in the third row of the second column.
Extracellular Recording from MEAs Please note that the ratio of the output signal to the input signal, that is, the gain, is not a fixed parameter for the complete bandwidth. The gain that was specified for the amplifier, for example, 1200, is not fully reached at the borders of the amplifier's pass band. The general rule is, that at the lower and upper limit of the frequency band, the gain is 2 / 2 , that is approximately 70 %, of the full gain.
MEA-System Manual Sampling rate It is recommended to adjust the sampling rate according to your signals, because the higher the sampling rate, the bigger the file size will be. As a rule of thumb, the sampling rate should equal five times the highest signal frequency for a good digitized representation of the continuous analog signals. If the sampling rate is too low, you will miss signals and / or see artifacts.
Extracellular Recording from MEAs Software package With the high-performance data acquisition and analysis program MC_Rack, you can flexibly manage all data streams. For example, you can display the raw data of all channels while recording only the raw data of the channels of interest and the extracted parameters of all channels. This saves computer performance and hard disk space. MC_Rack is not limited to special applications, but can be flexibly adapted to a wide range of applications.
MEA-System Manual 3.5 Using the Additional Analog Inputs The additional analog inputs A1, A2, A3 are intended for recording additional information from external devices, for example, for recording patch clamp in parallel to the MEA recording, for monitoring the temperature, or for recording voice. You could also use the analog inputs for triggering the MC_Card, but please note that the digital inputs are intended for accepting TTL pulses.
Extracellular Recording from MEAs 3.6.2 Custom Switch for "Remote-Controlling" of the MC_Card You can connect any device that produces TTL outputs, for example a switch, to one of the digital input bits of the MC_Card. This means you can use a trigger for remote controlling the recording with MC_Rack, or for synchronizing systems, if the data acquisition computer is not within reach during an experiment. You can define the time length of the cutouts that are recorded around the trigger event in MC_Rack.
MEA-System Manual 4 Troubleshooting 4.1 About Troubleshooting The following hints are provided to solve special problems that have been reported by users. Most problems occur seldom and only under specific circumstances. Please check the mentioned possible causes carefully when you have any trouble with the product. In most cases, it is only a minor problem that can be easily avoided or solved. If the problem persists, please contact your local retailer.
Troubleshooting 4.3 Artifacts caused by Perfusion You observe artifacts or an increased noise level after you started the perfusion. Possible causes: ? The artifacts correlate with an oscillation of the liquid level. The oscillation will cause the artifacts, and also mechanically stress the biological sample. Use a bevelled tip for the perfusion in- and outlet.
Appendix 5 Appendix 5.1 Contact Information Local retailer Please see the list of official MCS distributors on the MCS web site. User forum The Multi Channel Systems User Forum provides an excellent opportunity for you to exchange your experience or thoughts with other users worldwide. Web link to the User Forum Mailing Liat If you have subscribed to the mailing list, you will be automatically informed about new software releases, upcoming events, and other news on the product line.
MEA-System Manual 5.2 Ordering Information Please contact your local retailer for pricing and ordering information. 5.2.
Appendix 5.2.2 MEA Amplifiers Product Product Number Description MEA amplifier for inverted microscopes MEA1060-Inv Probe interface and 60 channel pre- and filter amplifier with custom gain and bandwidth MEA amplifier for upright microscopes MEA1060-Up MEA amplifier with blanking circuit for inverted microscopes MEA1060-Inv-BC MEA amplifier with blanking circuit for upright microscopes MEA1060-Up-BC Probe interface and 60 channel pre- and filter amplifier with custom gain and bandwidth.
MEA-System Manual 5.2.4 Stimulus Generators Product Product Number Description 2-Channel stimulus generator STG4002 4-Channel stimulus generator STG4004 8-Channel stimulus generator STG4008 4000 series: General-purpose stimulus generator for current and voltage-driven electrical stimulation, with integrated stimulus isolation unit for each output channel. Operating in Download and Streaming mode (continuous downstreaming of pulses from connected computer).
