Multi Channel Systems Multiwell-MEA High-Throughput Microelectrode Array Preamplifier
| Brand | Multi Channel Systems |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Product Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | Multiwell-MEA |
| Instrument Type | Multi-well Format |
| Application Scope | In Vitro Electrophysiology |
| Electrode Pitch | 300 µm |
| Electrode Diameter | 30 µm |
| Electrode Layout | Multi-well Array Configuration |
| Total Electrodes | 288 |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 127 × 85 × 19 mm |
Overview
The Multi Channel Systems Multiwell-MEA High-Throughput Microelectrode Array Preamplifier is a purpose-engineered signal conditioning module designed for in vitro extracellular electrophysiological recording from adherent neuronal or cardiac cell cultures grown on standard multi-well microelectrode array (MEA) substrates. It operates on the principle of low-noise, high-input-impedance amplification followed by analog-to-digital conversion at the source—minimizing signal degradation and electromagnetic interference inherent in long cable runs. Integrated into the MCS 2100 series platform, the Multiwell-MEA functions as the front-end interface between biological tissue and the universal MCS Multi-Port Data Acquisition and Signal Processor (MCS-2100-DAP). Its architecture supports simultaneous, parallel recording from up to 288 electrodes distributed across multiple wells—enabling comparative pharmacological screening, longitudinal network activity monitoring, and stimulus-response characterization under tightly controlled physiological conditions.
Key Features
- Integrated 288-channel low-noise preamplification with programmable gain (×100–×1000) and 0.1–5 kHz bandpass filtering per channel
- On-board current-source and voltage-controlled stimulation circuitry: any electrode can be dynamically assigned as stimulation site via software-defined protocols
- Embedded temperature regulation system: PID-controlled heating element and high-resolution thermistor (±0.1 °C accuracy) enable precise well-bottom temperature setpoint control (range: 25–42 °C)
- Gas-permeable transparent sealing lid with integrated CO2 inlet port—compatible with standard humidified incubator gas mixtures (e.g., 5% CO2/95% air) to maintain pH and osmolarity during extended recordings
- Modular compatibility with all MCS 2100-series data acquisition units and interchangeable preamplifiers including MEA2100-Mini-HS, Multiwell-MEA-HS, CMOS-MEA-HS, MEA2100-Beta-Screen-HS, W2100-HS, and ME2100-HS
- Rugged aluminum chassis (127 × 85 × 19 mm) optimized for vibration damping and EMI shielding in shared laboratory environments
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Multiwell-MEA is validated for use with commercially available 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, and 96-well MEA culture plates featuring gold or titanium nitride electrodes (30 µm diameter, 300 µm pitch). It supports primary rodent cortical/hippocampal neurons, human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, and co-cultures under serum-containing or defined xeno-free media. All hardware and firmware comply with IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards and meet essential requirements of the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) Annex I for Class I non-invasive laboratory equipment. Data acquisition workflows support audit trail generation and electronic signature capability per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when used with MCS Acquis1 software v5.0+ in GLP-compliant laboratories.
Software & Data Management
Control and real-time visualization are performed via MCS Acquis1 software—a native Windows application supporting synchronized multi-well acquisition, closed-loop stimulation triggering, and spike sorting using template-matching and PCA-based clustering algorithms. Raw data are stored in HDF5 format with embedded metadata (timestamp, electrode mapping, stimulation parameters, temperature logs), ensuring FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) compliance. Export modules support MATLAB (.mat), Python (NumPy .npy), and Neurodata Without Borders (NWB) formats. Software updates follow ISO/IEC 17025 traceable validation protocols; version history and change logs are maintained for regulatory review.
Applications
- High-content neurotoxicity screening across compound libraries using spontaneous firing rate, burst dynamics, and network synchrony metrics
- Cardiac safety pharmacology: detection of pro-arrhythmic effects (e.g., field potential duration prolongation, beat-to-beat variability) in human iPSC-CMs
- Longitudinal developmental studies tracking synaptic maturation and network plasticity over days to weeks
- Optogenetic-electrical hybrid assays when combined with fiber-optic light delivery systems
- Validation of 3D organoid electrophysiological maturity using multi-layered MEA substrates
FAQ
Is the Multiwell-MEA compatible with non-MCS MEA plates?
Yes—provided electrode geometry (30 µm diameter, 300 µm pitch) and substrate thickness (≤1.2 mm glass or polymer) conform to ISO 20152 specifications for standardized MEA interfaces.
Can temperature be controlled independently per well?
No—the heating element regulates average plate-base temperature uniformly across all wells; localized thermal gradients are minimized by uniform thermal mass distribution and active feedback control.
What is the maximum sampling rate supported per channel?
Up to 50 kS/s per channel when configured in reduced-channel mode; full 288-channel operation supports 20 kS/s with onboard decimation and real-time FIR filtering.
Does the system support closed-loop stimulation based on real-time spike detection?
Yes—Acquis1 software enables sub-millisecond latency event-triggered stimulation using user-defined thresholds, burst patterns, or cross-channel correlation criteria.
Is calibration required before each experiment?
Factory-calibrated gain and offset values are retained in non-volatile memory; daily verification using on-board test signals (1 mVpp @ 1 kHz) is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 internal quality procedures.
