MEA Handeling for brain slice preparations

I have inherited an MEA-1060-BC setup. I am having trouble with noise that I believe is caused by a damaged MEA. I am considering opening a new one but before I do I would like to know if my current procedure is adequate.

What is the suggested storage and cleaning procedure for an MEA used for slice preparations? Currently after use, I rinse the MEA with ddH2O and then let dry. Once dry, I put it back in the case with the foam it was shipped with. If the MEA is visibly dirty I spray with ethanol and then rinse with ddH2O and let dry. If the contact pads need to be cleaned I spray them with ethanol and wipe with a Q-tip.

I have read that the MEA should be stored in ddH2O in the fridge when not in use. Is this necessary if I am using the MEA with hippocampal slices? Should I just do it any ways?

I have also read about hydrophillic surface coatings. Is this recomended for hippocampal slices? Currently I am using a mesh/weight to hold the slice to the electrode array.

Thank you for any help,
Everet

As you are not culturing a hydrophilic surface is not as critical as in many other application. But it definitely helps. We use plasma cleaner treatment to hydrophilize the surface.

All Details regarding MEA Handling & Hippocampal Slice preparation you will find in the two documents linked below

http://www.multichannelsystems.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Application_Notes_Tutorials/MEA-Applications_Hippocampus.pdf

http://www.genes2cognition.org/cgi-bin/ResourceFetch?id=13