We will design a fully implantable, wireless, battery-free, Mechano-Acoustic (MA) device that allows for multi-parameter physiological data acquisition from freely moving small animal models, via use of high bandwidthtriaxial accelerometers. The proposed technology records relevant vital sign information such as the heart andrespiration rate and temperature, and other general features about the animal that include locomotion and bodyorientation. Each of these features are determined in parallel from subtle motions detected with this platformusing the most advanced inertial measurement unit (IMU) technology and transmitted wirelessly and analyzedin real-time using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.2 to an external reader system - all isolated to individualsubjects within experimental contexts spanning single to multi-animal behaviors. This approach allows otherexperimental approaches (video tracking, neural recording, closed-loop optogenetics, etc.) to be directly coupledto the recorded physiological data. Integration of a BLE 5.2 reading board into the existing NeuroLux PowerDistribution Control (PDC) box will enable simultaneous use with other devices in NeuroLux's product portfolio,including fully implantable optogenetic devices and wireless drug-delivery systems that are currently inwidespread use across various parts of the neuroscience community. By delivering both power and datawirelessly, and by entirely eliminating all external fixtures and physical tethers on the animal, the proposedtechnology enables chronic physiological recordings in three-dimensional naturalistic environments, fromisolated individuals or social groups, in ways that are fundamentally impossible with conventional hardwareinfrastructure. This low-cost manufacturable system is fully compatible with the NeuroLux radio frequencywireless electronic platform and control software, allowing us to leverage the strengths of an existing commercialplatform currently in use in >150 laboratories worldwide to further advance neuroscience research capabilities.
Public Health Relevance Statement: PROJECT NARRATIVE
The proposed program focuses on the development of a fully implantable, battery-free device for wireless data
acquisition of physiological data including heart and respiratory rate, temperature, and other behavioral
information such as locomotion and orientation of rats and mice. This novel technology, which is fully compatible
with the NeuroLux radio frequency wireless electronic platform, represents an important advanced tool for
experimental behavior research that enables non-tethered, non-invasive operation in cages with simple or
complex environments in individual or groups of animals.
Project Terms: <21+ years old> | |
