Low Cost Electrode Assembly for EEG Recordings in Mice

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Miniaturized wireless electroencephalography (EEG) in small animals requires robust, well-tolerated electrode assemblies.
• Existing methods using screw electrodes can be invasive, damage brain tissue, or yield poor signal quality.
• Adhesive methods may impede electrical conductance, and screw connections can be fragile.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, fast, and robust electrode assembly and implantation method for small animal wireless EEG.
• To improve survival and success rates of EEG recordings compared to screw-based electrodes.
• To create a durable implant that remains affixed and functional for at least one month.

Main Methods:

• Utilized electrode wires and wire-wrap technology for electrode assembly and implantation.
• Developed a minimally invasive implantation technique.
• Compared the novel wire method against traditional screw electrode methods.

Main Results:

• The wire-wrap method demonstrated a 51% improvement in successful EEG signal recording electrodes.
• The electrode assembly remained affixed and functional for over a month post-implantation.
• Achieved higher survival and success rates compared to screw electrode methods.

Conclusions:

• The developed wire-wrap method provides a robust, minimally invasive solution for small animal wireless EEG implantation.
• This technique significantly enhances recording success rates and implant longevity.
• The method uses economical materials and readily available skills, making it accessible for research laboratories.