Electrophysiological research with microelectrode arrays (MEAs) has become essential for studying neural networks in vitro, offering repeated non-invasive measurements of neuronal activity. Despite its potential, the utility of MEA data is often constrained by the lack of refined analytical tools. Andrey Vinogradov’s PhD thesis tackled this issue, delivering cutting-edge methods to detect and characterize neural activity effectively.
His work established a comprehensive analysis pipeline applicable to various MEA configurations, including standard setups and custom three-compartment microfluidic MEA plates. The research emphasized the accurate detection of neuronal spikes, the assessment of synchronous bursts, and functional connectivity analysis, with a particular focus on identifying multi-level synchronous activity patterns in advanced MEA systems.
A significant component of the thesis involved integrating open science principles. By curating and openly sharing MEA datasets, analysis codes, and detailed data descriptors, Vinogradov ensured his findings could benefit the broader scientific community and foster collaborative advancements in the field.
The developed tools were validated through real-life applications, including functional comparisons of rat cortical and human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neuronal cultures and the analysis of kainic acid-induced neuronal activity alterations. These tools demonstrated the potential to uncover novel insights into the electrophysiological behaviour of neuronal populations, supporting developmental and pharmacological research as well as in vitro disease modeling.
“By addressing the challenges in MEA data analysis and promoting open science, this research is expected to contribute to the development of more accurate in vitro disease models and discovering more effective treatments,” says Vinogradov.
Andrey Vinogradov is originally from Petrozavodsk, Russia, and has been working as a researcher in the Neuro group at Tampere University.
Public defence on Friday 24 January
The doctoral dissertation of MSc (Tech) Andrey Vinogradov in the field of biomedical signal analysis titled Advances in Microelectrode Array Data Analysis: Developing Methods for Characterizing Neuronal Network Activity in vitro will be publicly examined at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology at Tampere University 12 o’clock on Friday 24 January 2025 in the auditorium TB109 of the Tietotalo building (Korkeakoulunkatu 1, Tampere). The Opponent will be Associate Professor Michela Chiappalone from the University of Genova. The Custos will be Susanna Narkilahti from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University.