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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
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Microinjectrode System for Combined Drug Infusion and Electrophysiology
Published on: November 13, 2019
A flexible system for hands-free intracranial microinjection.
David G C Hildebrand1, Daniel P Knudsen, Gary W Hesse
1Undergraduate Program, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Journal of Neuroscience Methods
|September 17, 2009
Summary
Researchers developed a hands-free micropump for precise intracranial microinfusions in neuroscience. This system ensures accurate, timed drug delivery during behavioral testing without disrupting animal movement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Bioengineering
Background:
- Intracranial (IC) microinfusions are crucial for targeted drug delivery in neuroscience research.
- Accurate and precisely-timed delivery of small volumes is essential for behavioral testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel stepper motor-powered micropump assembly for hands-free IC microinfusions.
- To offer a reliable system for precise drug delivery during behavioral experiments.
Main Methods:
- A stepper motor-powered micropump assembly was designed and constructed.
- The system utilizes two independent microsyringes and standard guide cannulae for bilateral delivery.
- It avoids leaky fluid swivels and long tubing susceptible to animal movement artifacts.
Main Results:
- The micropump system reliably delivers a wide range of fluid volumes (50 nL to >1 µL).
- It enables hands-free, precisely-timed delivery of substances to specific brain regions.
- The system is easy to build, clean, and adapt for various applications.
Conclusions:
- This micropump assembly provides a robust and versatile solution for IC microinfusions in neuroscience.
- It facilitates accurate drug delivery without disrupting animal behavior, enabling better data acquisition.
- The system supports diverse research paradigms, including self-administration and place conditioning.
