Advancing Brain Organoid Electrophysiology: Minimally Invasive Technologies for Comprehensive Characterization

Human brain organoids, which originate from pluripotent stem cells, serve as valuable tools for a wide range of research endeavors, replicating brain function. Their capacity to replicate cellular interactions, morphology, and division provides invaluable insights into brain development, disease modeling, and drug screening. However, conventional morphological analysis methods are often invasive and lack real-time monitoring capabilities, posing limitations to achieving a comprehensive understanding. Therefore, advancing the comprehension of brain organoid electrophysiology necessitates the development of minimally invasive measurement technologies with long-term, high-resolution capabilities. This review highlights the significance of human brain organoids and emphasizes the need for electrophysiological characterization. It delves into conventional assessment methods, particularly focusing on 3D microelectrode arrays, electrode insertion mechanisms, and the importance of flexible electrode arrays to facilitate minimally invasive recordings. Additionally, various sensors tailored to monitor organoid properties are introduced, enriching the understanding of their chemical, thermal, and mechanical dynamics.