OvalDrive36 / OvalDrive18-ES

OvalDrive36 is a chronically implantable microdrive for rat neurophysiology experiments. Up to 36 individually movable probes (including single-unit recording electrodes, cyclic voltammetry probes, optical fibers, or fluid injection cannulae) can be targeted at multiple sites throughout the entire extent of the rat brain. With the Ovaldrive18-ES configuration, up to 18 individually moveable probes can be implanted alongside the UCLA miniscope for simultaneous electrophysiological recording and calcium imaging. A shuttle-in-groove design assures micrometer stability of probe tips over days or weeks during long-term recording experiments. OvalDrive36 is well suited for experiments employing convergent methods of electrophysiology, optogenetics, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, and intracranial infusions of drugs or viral vectors.

NEW!!!!! OvalDrive18-ES holds 18 driveable probes + UCLA miniscope
for information about obtaining drives and parts contact blairlab@gmail.com with subject heading 'OvalDrive36' or 'OvalDrive18-ES'
developed at UCLA by Hugh (Tad) Blair, Rose M. DeGuzman, Elijah Kim, Andrew Howe, & Garrett Blair

TASK 1: DESIGN AND PRINT THE TARGETING CONE

1) Download a SolidWorks^TM targeting cone template file

2) Design your targeting cone using SolidWorks^TM

3) Fabricate the targeting cone on a 3D printer

TASK 2: BUILD AND INSTALL THE GUIDE TUBE BUNDLES

1) Cut and store the guide tubes

2) Cut and store the bundle collars

3) Assemble the guide tube bundles

4) Construct the sighting pin

5) Install the guide tube bundles

6) Check alignment of the guide tubes

TASK 3: PRINT AND PREPARE THE DRIVE CORE

1) Download a SolidWorks^TM drive core file

2) Fabricate the drive core on a 3D printer

3) Cut and store the guide tube sleeves

4) Prepare the Drive Core

TASK 4: MATE THE TARGETING CONE TO THE DRIVE CORE

1) Map each guide tube to a shuttle bay

2) Thread guide tubes into probe collars

3) Bolt the targeting cone to the drive core

3) Break off excess guide tube lengths

TASK 5: BUILD AND INSTALL PROBE SHUTTLES

1) Download a SolidWorks^TM shuttle brick loaf file

2) Cut bricks from the loaf

3) OvalDrive36 can hold up to 36 individually moveable probe shuttles of the different types. If your drive uses more than one type of probe, then you should construct and install them in the following order:

- Carbon fiber shuttle (for cyclic voltammetry)

- Fluid cannula shuttle (for intracranial infusions)

- Optical fiber shuttle (for optogenetic stimulation)

- Electrode shuttle (for field potential or single unit recording)

- Ground and reference wires

TASK 6: SURGICALLY IMPLANT THE DRIVE