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Automatic OptoDrive for Extracellular Recordings and Optogenetic Stimulation in Freely Moving Mice.
Alberto Caballero-Ruiz1,2, Erick Lopez-Roldan3, Monica Luna4
1Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología (ICAT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito Exterior S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Mexico City, C.P. 04510, Mexico alberto.caballero@icat.unam.mx ranier@cinvestav.mx.
Eneuro
|June 25, 2025
Summary
The new OptoDrive system provides lightweight, low-cost, chronic neural recordings and optogenetic manipulation in mice. This system enables long-term brain studies with multichannel recordings and optogenetic silencing without surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Extracellular recordings in freely moving mice are vital for brain function research.
- Existing microdrive systems are often heavy, costly, fragile, and unsuitable for long-term, multichannel studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the OptoDrive, a novel, lightweight, and cost-effective system for chronic neural recordings and optogenetic manipulation in mice.
- To address the limitations of current microdrive technologies for long-term, in vivo neuroscience research.
Main Methods:
- Developed the OptoDrive, a compact system weighing 3.2g, featuring a detachable 16-channel tungsten-wire electrode assembly and an integrated optical fiber.
- Enabled repeated implantation/explantation under gas anesthesia, facilitating non-surgical procedures.
- Utilized the system for chronic recordings and optogenetic manipulation in freely behaving mice.
Main Results:
- Achieved stable extracellular recordings from the lateral hypothalamus of freely moving mice for nearly one month.
- Demonstrated successful optogenetic silencing of neuronal activity using the integrated optical fiber.
- Validated the system's suitability for long-term, multichannel electrophysiology and optogenetics.
Conclusions:
- The OptoDrive presents a significant advancement in neuroscience research tools.
- Offers a cost-effective, compact, and versatile solution for chronic electrophysiology and optogenetics in freely moving mice.
- Facilitates long-term brain studies with minimal invasiveness and improved experimental efficiency.
