Multichannel Systems MEA Manual - Manual (Page 36)

MEA Manual
36
5.1.3 Preculturing
Another pragmatic method is to coat the hydrophobic MEAs and to plate the cell cultures on the MEA, and
let it grow for some days (up to weeks) until the cells have transformed the surface so that it is sufficiently
hydrophilic. The “preculture” will generally show very bad growth and viability, and needs to be discarded
before plating the culture that will be used for experiments.
Please note that the MEA and the electrode performance may suffer under cell culturing. Therefore,
the above-mentioned methods are preferable.
5.2 Sterilization
Sterilization of MEAs is not necessary for acute slices.
Glass MEAs with TiN electrodes and EcoMEAs with gold electrodes can be sterilized with standard methods
for cell culture materials using either rinsing with 70 % alcohol, UV-light (about half an hour depending
on the intensity), vapor autoclavation, or dry-heat sterilization up to a temperature maximum of
125 °C.
Warning: Do not autoclave or sterilize perforated MEAs by heat. These MEA types are not thermo-
resistant, and will be irreversibly damaged.
5.2.1 Sterilization with Ethanol and UV Light
 Rinse MEAs with 70 % ethanol. Do not immerse the MEA into the alcohol for a longer time otherwise
the ring on the MEA will probably get off.
 Let MEAs air-dry over night on a sterile workbench (laminar flow hood) with UV light turned on.
5.2.2 Steam Sterilization (Autoclavation)
 Autoclave MEAs at 125 °C for 15 min.
5.2.3 Dry-Heat Sterilization
Dry-heat sterilization is possible if a stream autoclave is not available, which is the better choice.
Please clean the MEA thoroughly with distilled water before using the oven, otherwise potential
rests of any material may burn into the glass carrier of the MEA and may destroy the electrodes.
 Thermally sterilize MEAs in an oven at 121 °C for 15 min.
 Thermally sterilize FlexMEAs in an oven at 121 °C for 15 min.
 Thermally sterilize pMEAs in an oven at 50 °C for 2 hours.
5.2.4 Sterilization with Hot Water
 Expose MEAs to hot water (90 °C) for 1 min.