A 3D Printed Device for Low Cost Neural Stimulation in Mice

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Electrical brain stimulation is crucial for research and treating neurological disorders.
• Existing rodent electrode devices are often complex and expensive.
• There is a need for accessible, reliable, and cost-effective stimulation tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-cost, easily assembled 2-channel brain stimulation device for rodent research.
• To address the limitations of complex and costly existing devices.
• To provide a reliable and readily available tool for neuroscientific experiments.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D printing technology and common electrical hardware.
• Designed a 2-channel stimulation device optimized for rodent skull anatomy.
• Tested device reliability over 60 consecutive surgeries.

Main Results:

• The device costs less than $1 USD to produce.
• Assembly time is under 20 minutes.
• The device demonstrated reliability over 60 surgeries with parameters: 1-200 μA amplitude, 50-500 μs duration, 1-285 Hz frequency.

Conclusions:

• A 3D-printed, low-cost 2-channel brain stimulation device meets the need for accessible research tools.
• The device's design ensures improved adhesion and lightweight properties for rodent skulls.
• This innovation facilitates efficient and cost-effective neuroscientific research.