Multielectrode Array (MEA)

The Multielectrode Array (MEA) assay is an advanced, non-invasive technique for monitoring the electrical activity of iPSC-derived neurons and glial cells. It uses a grid of microelectrodes embedded in MEA plates to record spontaneous or stimulated signals from cells cultured directly on the electrodes, allowing real-time analysis of neuronal network function over time.

Unlock the full potential of your drug discovery and disease modeling efforts with our advanced MEA Assay Service. We offer high-resolution, non-invasive recordings of electrical activity in iPSC-derived neurons and glial cells—delivering human-relevant data that drive smarter, faster decision-making.

• Human, iPSC-derived neurons (excitatory, GABAergic, Cholinergic, Motor, Dopaminergic, Sensory, etc.)
• Mono-culture, co-culture, and disease-specific models available

• Alexion MEA System: Optimized for high-throughput, high-sensitivity neuronal assays
• MaxWell MEA System: Enables ultra-high-resolution recordings and advanced network activity analysis
• Flexible formats: 24-, 48-, or 96-well plates for pilot studies and large scale projects

• Single-point dosing or full dose–response assays
• Acute and chronic drug exposure protocols
• Comprehensive pre- and post-treatment recordings
• Full signal processing and statistical analysis
• High-resolution raster plots and dose–response graphs

MEA assays offer several key advantages over other techniques:

iPSC technology allows generation of neurons from patients with:

• Neurological diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS)
• Rare genetic mutations

MEA assays can detect disease-specific network phenotypes (e.g., hyperexcitability, disrupted synchrony) and evaluate the effects of therapeutic compounds in a personalized medicine context.

MEA assays are ideal for:

• High-throughput pharmacological screening
• Dose–response analysis
• Mechanism-of-action studies

By measuring how neurons respond to candidate drugs (in firing rate, burst structure, or network dynamics), MEA provides functional validation for CNS therapeutics.

MEA Systems can detect a broad range of neurotoxic effects:

• Excitotoxicity: excessive firing leading to neural damage
• Synaptic dysfunction: reduced burst activity or connectivity
• Neural silencing: complete suppression of activity

By using human iPSC-derived neurons, MEA-based neurotoxicity testing offers a sensitive, non-invasive, and translationally relevant platform to confidently evaluate compound safety and protect neural function.

Ricoh Biosciences’ iPSC differentiation technology provides high-quality, patient-specific neurons for use in MEA assays. These iPSC-derived neurons retain the genetic information of the donor, allowing for more personalized and disease-specific research. When coupled with MEA assays, this technology significantly enhances our understanding of disease mechanisms, supports the identification of potential therapeutic targets, and accelerates the drug discovery process. The integration of MEA systems and iPSC technology represents a powerful tool in neuroscience research and drug development. Neurons from Ricoh Biosciences have been used in several publications and presentations. Ricoh Biosciences also offers multiple MEA services for drug discovery research groups, providing well-optimized culture conditions to obtain robust datasets.