Silicon Nanowire Mats Enable Advanced Bioelectrical Recordings in Primary DRG Cell Cultures

Abstract Primary dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cell cultures provide a valuable model for studying in vitro sensory transduction, neuropathies, and chronic pain, as they replicate the in vivo heterogeneity of DRG neurons and non‐neuronal cells. However, traditional patch‐clamp techniques are invasive and cannot capture the collective cell dynamics. While planar multielectrode arrays (MEAs) offer a non‐invasive alternative, they suffer from poor cell‐electrode coupling and limited resolution for identifying specific DRG neuronal types like C‐fiber nociceptors, key targets in chronic pain research. This work demonstrates that silicon nanowire (SiNW) mat‐based MEAs, while maintaining their reduced invasiveness, enable continuous intracellular recordings from neurons in primary rat DRG cell cultures. Supported by a cortical astrocyte feeder layer, SiNW mats promote DRG neuron and glial cell growth preserving cells’ in vivo morphological and functional characteristics. Integrated into a compartmentalized MEA, they enable reliable recordings of drug‐modulated neuronal activity alongside a baseline related to the astrocyte layer. The recorded signals exhibit characteristics of intracellular action potentials, suggesting spontaneous intracellular access by SiNWs. Distinct electrophysiological signatures allow identifying C‐fiber nociceptors, as confirmed by patch‐clamp measurements. This platform represents a powerful tool for investigating in vitro pain mechanisms, with potential applications in preclinical pain research and pharmacological translational studies.