A System for Simultaneous Optogenetics Stimulation, Calcium Imaging, Electrical Signal Detection, and Electrical Stimulation of In Vitro Neuronal Networks

In vitro neuronal networks are promising models for neural computing. Despite numerous efforts to determine the activities of these neuronal networks, achieving high spatiotemporal resolution in recording and controlling neuronal activities remains challenging. Here, we propose the OptoCaMEA system, which simultaneously records neuronal network activities with a temporal resolution of 50 microseconds and a spatial resolution smaller than 10 micrometres. Additionally, it achieves single-neuron control with a spatial resolution smaller than 10 micrometres. OptoCaMEA offers a more precise method for recording and controlling the dynamics of in vitro neuronal networks, facilitating the development of computational frameworks based on biological neural networks and contributing to the in-depth study of related neurological disease models.

I. Introduction

Biological neurons can be considered highly efficient signal processing units [1], [2] and hold significant potential for future artificial intelligence research. Although numerous methods based on electrical signal detection or optical imaging have been utilized to study the dynamics of in vitro neuronal networks, these methods have certain limitations. For example, methods based on electrical signal recording suffer from low spatial resolution and the mixing of signals from multiple neurons [3]. On the other hand, optical methods, such as calcium imaging, encounter issues with low temporal resolution [4]. Additionally, electrical stimulation techniques for controlling neural network activity face challenges with low spatial resolution.