NeuroMap: A Spline-Based Interactive Open-Source Software for Spatiotemporal Mapping of 2D and 3D MEA Data

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Computational Neuroscience
• Bioengineering

Background:

• Neural networks exhibit complex organization across spatial scales, necessitating simultaneous multi-scale analysis.
• Microelectrode array (MEA) technology offers large-scale coverage and microscopic resolution for studying neural activity.
• Existing spatiotemporal data representation methods for MEA data are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce NeuroMap, an interactive Matlab-based software for comprehensive spatiotemporal mapping of MEA data.
• To provide advanced tools for analyzing neural information processing at multiple scales.

Main Methods:

• Development of NeuroMap software utilizing thin plate spline interpolation.
• Implementation of flexible MEA design compatibility (2D/3D, regular/irregular).
• Integration of rigid-deformation-based correction for coregistering MEA data with neural tissue anatomy.

Main Results:

• NeuroMap enables estimation of neural activity across tissue, including local extrema.
• The software facilitates straightforward analytical estimation of spatial Laplacian for current source localization.
• Accurate coregistration of MEA data with anatomical images is achieved.

Conclusions:

• NeuroMap offers substantial material for detailed spatiotemporal analysis of MEA data.
• The software supports flexible MEA designs and advanced data interpolation.
• NeuroMap enhances the understanding of neural information processing by providing multi-scale analysis capabilities.