An advanced 3D printed design of the hybrid infusion-multielectrode recording system for local field potential and single unit acquisition and intrabrain drug delivery in freely moving mice

Abstract

In our recent methodological paper (Senkov et al., 2015, Front Neurosci), we have introduced a highly versatile reusable hybrid infusion-multielectrode recording (HIME) system, which can be utilized in freely moving mice performing cognitive tasks, while their brain activity is being recorded electrophysiologically in terms of local field potential and at single unit resolution, and can be combined with local intrahippocampal or intracortical drug delivery a few hours before behavior experiments. Here, we describe a new more advanced version of the HIME system, where some of its parts can be quickly fabricated using modern 3D printing technology. Our preliminary results show that usage of 3D printers for the construction of small plastic parts of the system facilitates and speeds up the whole fabrication process and improves precision and reliability of HIME implants. It also improves wearability, safety and welfare of mice carrying the system on their heads in the postoperative period and during long-term behavior tests.