The present disclosure provides a three-dimensional micro-electrode that comprises an electrically conductive, elongate body with: a base that is electrically connectible to a recording system; a tip that is opposite the base and that is configured to establish electrical communication with an excitable cellular-network or a cell therein; and an elongate portion between the base and the tip. The elongate portion is covered with at least one layer of an electrical-insulator coating that extends from the base to proximal the tip. The present disclosure also provides a micro-electrode array comprising at least two three-dimensional micro-electrodes that are electrically connective to at least one recording system. The present disclosure also provides a method of making and using a three-dimensional micro-electrode and an array that comprises three-dimensional micro-electrodes.