{\mu}SpikeHunter: An advanced computational tool for the analysis of neuronal communication and action potential propagation in microfluidic platforms

TL;DR

{}SpikeHunter is an open-source computational tool designed to analyze neuronal communication and action potential propagation in microfluidic platforms, enabling detailed, high-throughput analysis of neural signals in controlled experimental setups.

Contribution

It introduces a novel, user-friendly software for detailed quantification of neuronal communication properties in microfluidic devices, enhancing analysis capabilities in neuroscience research.

Findings

Successfully analyzed spike propagation in dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Quantified conduction velocity and failure rates in microfluidic neuronal cultures.

Demonstrated high-throughput, detailed analysis of neural signals.

Abstract

Understanding neuronal communication is fundamental in neuroscience but there are few methodologies offering detailed analysis for well-controlled conditions. By interfacing microElectrode arrays with microFluidics ({\mu}EF devices), it is possible to compartmentalize neuronal cultures with a specified alignment of axons and microelectrodes. This setup allows extracellular recordings of spike propagation with high signal-to-noise ratio over the course of several weeks. Addressing these {\mu}EF systems we developed an advanced, yet easy-to-use, open-source computational tool, {\mu}SpikeHunter, which provides detailed quantification of several communication-related properties such as propagation velocity, conduction failure, spike timings, and coding mechanisms. The combination of {\mu}EF devices and {\mu}SpikeHunter can be used in the context of standard neuronal cultures or with co-culture configurations where, for example, communication between sensory neurons and other cell types is monitored and assessed. The ability to analyze axonal signals (in a user-friendly, time-efficient, high-throughput manner) opens doors to new approaches to studies of peripheral innervation, neural coding, and neuroregeneration approaches, among many others. We demonstrate the use of {\mu}SpikeHunter in dorsal root ganglion neurons where we analyze the presence of anterograde signals in {\mu}EF devices.