Incub8 Multiwell MEA System Options

Incub8™ is a multiwell microelectrode array (MEA) system designed for parallel electrophysiological recordings with integrated support for optical measurements. The system is engineered for operation inside a humidified CO₂ incubator, while also supporting use on the benchtop or under a microscope.

The platform combines a multiwell headstage with integrated amplification, stimulus generation, and scalable data acquisition. It supports 24- and 96-well MEA plates and enables synchronized acquisition of electrophysiological and optical data from the same sample.

Incub8 integrates with the Multi Channel Systems hardware ecosystem, including the IFB-C interface board and Multi Channel Suite software environment, allowing interoperability with additional MEA and in vivo systems.

 

System Architecture

Multiwell Headstage

• Manual well plate contacting unit
• Designed for 24- and 96-well MEA formats
• Dimensions: 200 mm × 160 mm × 28 mm (without connector)
• Weight: ~1000 g

 

Integrated Amplifier

• 288 analog recording channels
• 24-bit data resolution
• Input voltage range: ±70 mV
• Bandwidth: 0.1 Hz to 10 kHz (software configurable)
• Default bandwidth: 1 Hz to 3.5 kHz
• Sampling rate: up to 25 kHz per channel (software controlled)

 

Integrated Stimulus Generator

• Voltage stimulation: up to ±5 V
• Stimulation modes: pulse or burst
• Freely selectable stimulation sites

 

Incubator Operation

The system is designed for continuous operation inside a humidified CO₂ incubator, maintaining stable environmental conditions throughout acquisition.

• Operating temperature range: 10–50 °C
• Relative humidity: 10–90% (non-condensing)

By eliminating the need to transfer plates between environments, recordings can be performed under stable temperature, humidity, and gas conditions.

 

Throughput and Scalability

Incub8 supports multiwell formats and scalable acquisition:

• Compatible with 24- and 96-well MEA plates
• Up to 8 headstages can be operated in parallel
• Maximum throughput: up to 768 simultaneous samples

All wells are recorded under identical environmental conditions, supporting consistent acquisition across large datasets.

 

Signal Collection and Interface

Signal Collector Unit (SCU)

• 4 headstage inputs (HS1–HS4) via LEMO connectors
• 4 analog outputs (0–5 V) for LED driver integration
• External power and data transmission via industrial cable
• Dimensions: 250 mm × 83 mm × 25 mm
• Weight: ~300 g

 

IFB-C Interface Board (Multiboot)

• Central interface for multiple MCS systems
• Analog and digital I/O for synchronization and external device control
• ±10 V input range (24-bit ADC)
• Digital I/O (4 inputs / 4 outputs)
• USB-C connectivity for data transfer
• Additional ports: Sync IN/OUT, audio output, JTAG DSP

 

Software

Incub8-Screen

• Data acquisition and online analysis
• Automated signal detection and quantification
• Programmable experiment timing for long-term recordings

 

Additional features include:

• Barcode-based plate identification and tracking
• Timestamped logging of plate insertion/removal events
• Integrated workflow from acquisition through analysis

 

Incub8-Analyzer

• Offline data analysis and report generation
• Supports neuronal, cardiac, and compound screening workflows

 

Optical Integration

Incub8 supports simultaneous acquisition of electrophysiological and optical data:

• Compatible with optical imaging systems (upright and inverted microscopes)
• Optical access enabled through plate design and system geometry

 

Environmental Control and Accessories

The system can be configured for operation both inside and outside an incubator:

• EnviroKit Active Heating Plates & CO₂ Control Modules For environmental control in benchtop experiments
• AccuTemp Stabilizer Passive Heating Plates
  • Reduce temperature gradients to <0.5 °C
  • Minimize edge effects across wells
• Incub8 Multiwell Plates
  • Optimized for combined electrophysiology and optical measurements
• Incub8-VariPlate Base Adapter
  • Enables compatibility with standard multiwell MEA plates

 

Third-Party Integration

• TTL-based synchronization with external devices
• Support for multiparametric experimental setups
• Built-in data synchronization for aligned acquisition across systems

 

Power Supply

• Input: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Output: 24 VDC
• Maximum power: 65 W
• Compliance: CE, EN61010

 

Operating Conditions

• Operating temperature: 10–50 °C
• Storage temperature: 0–50 °C
• Relative humidity: 10–90% (non-condensing)
• Overvoltage category: II
• Pollution degree: 1

 

Compatibility

Incub8 is part of the Multi Channel Systems MEA ecosystem and is compatible with:

• IFB-C interface board
• Multiwell MEA plates (24- and 96-well formats)
• Additional MCS platforms (e.g., MEA2100 series, in vivo systems)