dTBI2: A Calibrated, Tunable Device for Administering Traumatic Brain Injury in Drosophila

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) research in Drosophila melanogaster is crucial for understanding complex neurological conditions.
• Existing TBI models often lack reproducibility and user-friendliness, hindering genetic screening efforts.
• A need exists for a reliable, accessible, and tunable TBI device for Drosophila research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and detail the construction, calibration, and application of the second-generation Drosophila TBI device (dTBI2).
• To provide a protocol for a low-cost, moderate-throughput, head-specific TBI system.
• To improve reproducibility and consistency in Drosophila TBI studies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an Arduino-controlled piezoelectric actuator to deliver controlled mechanical force for head compression.
• Designed a tunable system allowing precise control over injury duration and depth.
• Incorporated user-friendly design improvements and an updated circuit for enhanced component longevity.

Main Results:

• The dTBI2 device demonstrates improved user-friendliness and eliminates inconsistencies in injury timing.
• Achieved enhanced reproducibility across different users and experimental runs.
• Observed more consistent and reliable post-injury phenotypes in Drosophila.

Conclusions:

• The dTBI2 device provides a highly reliable and low-cost solution for Drosophila TBI research.
• Facilitates wider adoption of TBI studies in Drosophila for forward genetic screens.
• Enables easier exploration of closed-head TBI mechanisms and consequences in a model organism.