Fully-automated in vivo single cell electrophysiology

• Main Authors: Go, Jamison (Author), Fan, Aaron (Author), Lu, Coby (Author), Kodandaramaiah, Suhasa Bangalo (Contributor), Holst, Gregory L. (Author), Stoy, William (Author), Kolb, Ilya (Author), Forest, Craig R. (Author), Boyden, Edward (Author)
• Other Authors: Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Media Laboratory (Contributor), McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT (Contributor), Program in Media Arts and Sciences (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) (Contributor), Boyden, Edward Stuart (Contributor)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Society for Precision Engineering, 2015-04-22T19:53:39Z.
• Subjects: Article
• Online Access: Get fulltext

 In this work, we report progress in developing a device that allows fully autonomous sequential patch clamp experimentation. The machine works by integrating a storage magazine of pre-filled pipettes that can be accessed, and swapped, by the headstage at the conclusion of each experiment. In operation, following each neuron measurement, the program enters "swap" state where a set of programmed actuator movements take place. First, the headstage translates towards the pipette storage assembly and deposits its used pipette. The storage assembly rotates to index a fresh pipette, its is grasped, and finally, the headstage returns to its previously designated home position in preparation of subsequent experiments.