Figure: Subcutaneous Transmitters. D: dual-channel, 5.8 g. S: single-channel, 1.9 g. H: dual-channel, 2.9 g. B: single-channel, 2.2 g. |
Our Subcutaneous Transmitters (SCTs) are fully-implantable, wireless sensors that permit continuous, real-time monitoring of biopotentials in freely-moving, cohabiting laboratory animals. The smallest versions can be implanted in young mice and record a single channel of EEG (electroencephalogram) for three weeks. The largest devices can be implanted in adult rates to record EEG, ECG (electrocardiogram), EMG (electromyogram), EGG (electrogastrogram) and body temperature continuously for months. The signals transmitted by SCTs are picked up by telemetry antennas and transported by coaxial cables to a telemetry receiver. The transmitters and antennas need to be isolated from ambient microwave interference in order to guarantee reliable reception. We can set up the system in a basement, or behind thick, brick walls. Or we can operate in any arbitrary space by loading the animal cages into one of our microwave isolation chambers. Our Faraday canopies enclose IVC (individually ventilated cage) racks and our Faraday enclosures provide bench-top accommodation for multipble animal cages. Continuous recording over TCP/IP is managed by our Neurorecorder program, while playback and translation of recordings is performed by our Neuroplayer program. Both these programs are open-source and free to download. |