Novel Multiparametric Bioelectronic Measurement System for Monitoring Virus-Induced Alterations in Functional...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biosensors
• Virology

Background:

• Bioelectronic monitoring techniques like microelectrode array (MEA) field potential measurement and impedance spectroscopy are crucial for label-free, in vitro neuronal network analysis.
• While effective for toxicity studies, their application in investigating central nervous system (CNS) virus infections remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of herpesviruses on functional neuronal networks using a novel hybrid bioelectronic monitoring platform.
• To establish a quantitative method for assessing virus-induced pathological changes in neuronal cultures.

Main Methods:

• Developed a hybrid bioelectronic platform integrating field potential monitoring and impedance spectroscopy on a single microelectrode array.
• Established a stable, synchronized electrophysiological network activity in primary rat hippocampal cell cultures after 21 days.
• Applied a model herpesvirus (pseudorabies virus PrV Kaplan-ΔgG-GFP) and monitored neuronal network response over 72 hours.

Main Results:

• The hybrid platform enabled multiparametric monitoring of virus-induced neuronal network changes.
• A virus concentration-dependent degeneration of the neuronal network was observed within 24-48 hours.
• Significant early alterations in electrophysiological activity preceded a loss of network synchronicity and overall activity.

Conclusions:

• Successfully developed and validated a microelectrode array-based hybrid bioelectronic measurement platform.
• The platform provides quantitative monitoring of herpesvirus pathological effects on electrophysiologically active neuronal networks.
• This approach offers a novel tool for studying virus-host interactions in the CNS.