Multielectrode Array - Advantages

Advantages

In general, the major strengths of in vitro arrays when compared to more traditional methods such as patch clamping include:

• Allowing the placement of multiple electrodes at once rather than individually
• The ability to set up controls within the same experimental setup (by using one electrode as a control and others as experimental)
• The ability to select different recordings sites within the array
• The ability to simultaneously receive data from multiple sites

Furthermore, in vitro arrays are non-invasive when compared to patch clamping because they do not require breaching of the cell membrane.

With respect to in vivo arrays however, the major advantage over patch clamping is the high spatial resolution. Implantable arrays allow signals to be obtained from individual neurons enabling information such as position or velocity of motor movement that can be used to control a prosthetic device.