Perfusion is utilized in the field of electrophysiology to maintain a tissue sample
during whole cell patching or other electrophysiology experiments, particularly when recording the electrical activity of neurons or other cells. Electrophysiology provides a high-resolution recording of the activity of these cells, often to compare healthy and disease states, monitor progressive disease states, or to determine cellular activity with varying conditions/perturbations.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a suite of technologies for enabling better animal surgical practices, particularly during perfusion or electrophysiological procedures.
The first technology (SI #M23-036L) pertains to a hydrophobic material-based surgical platform which enables pooling of biological fluid during transcardial perfusion. This system allows for easy collection and cleanup during and after surgeries. Clamps can be mounted to the device for use during surgery to hold materials and supplies.
The second technology (SI #M23-039L) pertains to a perfusion chamber device for use in electrophysiology and other experiments. This chamber houses cells or samples (e.g. brain slices) in a fluid medium, undisturbed, to enable photoacoustic, fluorescence and other types of microscopy during electrophysiology experiments. This chamber can also be placed on a microscope stage or other platform.
The third technology (SI #M23-040L) pertains to a device to hold brain slices for carbogenation during electrophysiology experiments. This device is designed to allow heating via a water bath without allowing the water level to go beyond the rim of the device.
Potential Applications
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Animal surgical procedures
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Electrophysiology experiments
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Perfusion procedures, including transcardial perfusion
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Benefits and Advantages
M23-036L
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Keeps the surgical area tidier and more sanitary, and allows for easier cleanup
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Design features allow clams to be mounted to the device for use during surgery to hold materials and supplies (e.g. ice chest, perfusion pump, surgical tools, tissue specimens, tubing, lights, etc.)
M23-039L
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Enables standardized experimentation while allowing other components to be used efficiently with the device
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Allows for perfusion of samples while leaving them undisturbed and/or uncontaminated
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The design enables a large chamber for increased volumes to allow for the submersion of a transducer, enabling photoacoustic detection along with continuous perfusion during electrophysiology
M23-040L
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Allows for insertion of an air stone and tubing for carbogenation
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Keeps water below the device rim to prevent contamination of the brain slices
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Drainage design features for easier post-experiment cleanup
For more information about the inventor(s) and their research, please see