Real-time processing of neuronal network activity measured by a high density microelectrode matrix through a FPGA card

This work aims at measuring the electrical activity of a network of rat neurons with Multi-Transistor Array technology. The recorded signal analysis is made using the spike detection algorithm proposed after A. Lambacher ("Identifying firing mammalian neurons in networks with high-resolution multi-transistor array (MTA)", Applied Physics A. 102.1 (2011), pp. 1-11). After locating a group of neurons, the spike frequency of one of these is measured. The time correlation between spikes of different neurons allows the meaurement of inter-neuronal signal transmission velocity. Preliminary results are discussed. Furthermore the algorithm is implemented on a FPGA digital circuit. The on-line digital algorithm is tested and compared with off-line analysis to verify its working. A graphical interface is created to visualize neuronal activity on-line. This work aims at building an acquisition chain for real-time analysis of neuronal activity.