Open-tES: An open-source stimulator for transcranial electrical stimulation designed for rodent research

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Neurotechnology

Background:

• Non-invasive neuromodulation, like transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), influences neuronal activity for cognitive research and treating neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Animal models are crucial for elucidating tDCS neurobiological mechanisms, but accessible, versatile, and affordable current generators are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Open-tES device, an open-source, low-cost current generator for rodent tDCS and other stimulation types.
• To characterize the precision and accuracy of the Open-tES device.
• To compare the efficacy of Open-tES with a commercial stimulator in a preclinical depression model.

Main Methods:

• Developed and shared the Open-tES device under a Creative Commons License on GitHub.
• Performed precision and accuracy characterization of the Open-tES current output.
• Conducted a behavioral study in mice to assess depression-related behaviors, comparing Open-tES with a commercial DC-Stimulator Plus.

Main Results:

• The Open-tES device demonstrated high precision (better than 250 nA) and accuracy (better than 25 nA).
• Behavioral results showed no significant differences in efficacy between the Open-tES device and the commercial stimulator in reducing depression-related behaviors in mice.
• The device's accuracy and precision ensure repeatable stimulation protocols.

Conclusions:

• The Open-tES device is a reliable, inexpensive, and user-friendly tool for preclinical non-invasive electrical brain stimulation research.
• This open-source project facilitates the study of tDCS mechanisms and therapeutic applications in animal models.
• Open-tES offers a viable alternative to expensive commercial equipment for neuroscience research.