A terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity

Abstract

The present invention relates to a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity, comprising a terahertz generating device, an optical path propagation and beam splitting device, a fixing device and a second limiting device, wherein the fixing device comprises a support platform, two sliding blocks, two locking devices and a first spring. The terahertz generating device generates detection light, and then the light is transmitted through the optical path propagation and beam splitting device to irradiate the experimental object on the fixing device. The two sliding blocks can slide relative to the support platform. After sliding to the specified position, a high-resistance silicon dish used for cell culture is placed between the two sliding blocks. The two sliding blocks are tightened and fixed by the first spring, and the locking device is rotated close to the support platform to lock the position of the sliding block, so that the high-resistance silicon dish can be fixed more conveniently. In addition, the animal can be fixed by the second limiting device, making the fixing operation more convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activities, belonging to the field of irradiation equipment. Background Art

[0002] The THz neurological effect is a key manifestation of the interaction between terahertz waves and nerve cells. Essentially, it involves the interference and response of electromagnetic waves in the THz frequency range on the structure and function of neural activity at all scales. Existing research indicates that terahertz irradiation can induce changes in neuronal membrane potential and cell apoptosis. This research lies at the intersection of medicine and engineering.

[0003] Safety is crucial in research on the biological effects of THz radiation. Currently, THz irradiation platforms primarily rely on optical backgrounds, with researchers utilizing 620-1100 nm lasers to establish these platforms, and these platforms are open-source. Despite the low quantum energy of THz radiation, safety assessments are limited, the effects of long-term chronic THz exposure are lacking, and whether THz radiation has any long-term hereditary effects remains unclear.

[0004] The influence of environmental control in the study of THz radiation biological effects on the biological effect results cannot be ignored. Since the thermal effect caused by THz radiation is the main factor of its biological effect, the environmental temperature and temperature control during THz biological effect experiments also affect the results of THz biological effect experiments. Currently, cell experiments are conducted both at room temperature and in a temperature-controlled incubator environment. Since room temperature is far lower than the suitable temperature for cell growth, whether it will offset or affect some of the biological effects caused by temperature changes is also a problem that should be considered in THz biological effect research.

[0005] By recording neuronal electrical signals, the effects of terahertz on neural activity can be monitored in real time. However, current irradiation devices lack corresponding biological sample platforms, and it is difficult to achieve precise local THz irradiation of awake mice. The safety of long-term THz chronic irradiation is still unclear, and open irradiation platforms pose potential risks to experimental personnel. Therefore, the present invention patent designs a device that can fix awake mice and high-resistance silicon dishes for THz irradiation. At the same time, the device can be connected to a calcium imaging system and a multi-channel electrical activity system. In addition, the present invention patent designs a terahertz optical irradiation chamber, which combines a mouse and high-resistance silicon dish fixing module to more conveniently fix the high-resistance silicon dish for cultured cells and animals, and can realize a calcium imaging system and a fiber optic connection module for a multi-channel electrical activity system, achieving real-time and efficient neural activity monitoring. Control the experimental environment temperature and local exposure temperature to minimize the impact of the exposure environment on the experimental results. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity, which is intended to more conveniently fix high-resistance silicon dishes used for cell culture and animals.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity, comprising a terahertz generating device, an optical path propagation and beam splitting device, a fixing device and a second limiting device, wherein the fixing device comprises a support platform, two sliding blocks, two locks and a first spring, the terahertz generating device and the optical path propagation and beam splitting device are arranged on one side of the support platform, the two sliding blocks are slidably connected to the support platform and are located on both sides of the support platform, the two locks are respectively rotatably set on the two sliding blocks, the first spring is set between the two sliding blocks, and the second limiting device is set on the sliding block.

[0008] Among them, the sliding block includes a slider body and a linkage rack, and the fixing device also includes a linkage gear. The linkage rack is fixedly connected to the slider body and is located on one side of the slider body. The linkage gear is rotatably connected to the support platform and engages with the two linkage racks.

[0009] In which, the locking device includes a rotating rod, a limiting rod and a second spring, the rotating rod has a limiting groove, the rotating rod is rotatably connected to the sliding block and is located on one side of the sliding block, the limiting rod is slidably connected to the sliding block and is close to the rotating rod, and the second spring is arranged between the limiting rod and the sliding block.

[0010] Wherein, the fixing device further comprises two rotating plates, which are respectively rotatably connected to the two sliding blocks and are located on one side of the sliding block.

[0011] Wherein, the rotating rod includes a rotating rod body, a pressure plate and a compression spring. The rotating rod body is rotatably connected to the sliding block and is located on one side of the sliding block. The pressure plate is slidably connected to the rotating rod body, and the compression spring is arranged between the rotating rod body and the pressure plate.

[0012] Wherein, the second limiting device includes a plurality of fixing members, and the plurality of fixing members are respectively arranged on the sliding block.

[0013] In which, the fixing part includes a rotating sleeve, a sliding plate and an elastic line, the second limiting device also includes a rotating column and a rotating motor, the rotating column is rotatably connected to the support platform and is located at the bottom of the support platform, the output end of the rotating motor is fixedly connected to the rotating column, the sliding plate is slidably connected to the sliding block and is located at the top of the sliding block, the two ends of the elastic line are connected to the sliding plate and the rotating column, and the rotating sleeve is rotatably set on the sliding plate.

[0014] Wherein, the fixing device further includes a stabilizing pad, and the stabilizing pad is arranged at the bottom of the supporting platform.

[0015] The present invention relates to a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity. The terahertz generating device uses an existing terahertz generating device to generate terahertz waves, wherein the optical path propagation and beam splitting device is configured to reflect and split the terahertz waves emitted by the terahertz generator to act on experimental animals (mainly mice) or in vitro cells. The two sliding blocks can slide relative to the support table. After sliding to the specified position, the high-resistance silicon dish for culturing in vitro cells is placed between the two sliding blocks. The two sliding blocks are tightened and fixed by the first spring. The locking device is rotated close to the support table to lock the position of the sliding block, thereby making it more convenient to fix the high-resistance silicon dish for culturing in vitro cells. In addition, the animal can be fixed by the second limiting device, making the fixing operation more convenient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a schematic cross-sectional view along the first spring of a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activities according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view along a limiting rod of a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activities according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partial enlargement of detail A.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] 101- terahertz generating device, 102- optical path propagation and beam splitting device, 103- fixing device, 104- second limiting device, 105- supporting platform, 106- sliding block, 107- locking device, 108- first spring, 109- slider body, 110- linkage rack, 111- linkage gear, 112- rotating rod, 113- limiting rod, 114- second spring, 115- limiting groove, 116- rotating plate, 117- Rotating rod body, 118-pressure plate, 119-compression spring, 120-optical fiber, 201-fixing part, 202-rotating sleeve, 203-sliding plate, 204-elastic line, 301-rotating disk, 302-left clamp, 303-right clamp, 304-magnet, 401-temperature monitoring device, 402-cover plate, 403-heater, 404-circulating fan, 405-temperature sensor, 406-observation window, 407-stabilizing pad. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] First embodiment

[0025] See also Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is a schematic cross-sectional view along the first spring of a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activities according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 Schematic cross-section of a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity along a limiting rod according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The present invention provides a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity, comprising a terahertz generating device 101, an optical path propagation and beam splitting device 102, a fixing device 103, and a second limiting device 104. The fixing device 103 comprises a support platform 105, two sliding blocks 106, two locking devices 107, and a first spring 108. The sliding blocks 106 comprise a slider body 109 and a linkage rack 110. The fixing device 103 further comprises a linkage gear 111. The locking device 107 comprises a rotating rod 112, a limiting rod 113, and a second spring 114. The rotating rod 112 has a limiting slot 115. The fixing device 103 further comprises two rotating plates 116. The rotating rod 112 comprises a rotating rod body 117, a pressure plate 118, and a compression spring 119.

[0026] The terahertz generator 101 uses an existing terahertz generator 101 to generate terahertz waves. The optical propagation and beam splitting device 102 is configured to reflect and split the terahertz waves emitted by the terahertz generator. The terahertz waves are then connected to a built-in module of an experimental animal (primarily a mouse) via multiple optical fibers 120, or to other detection experiments such as active imaging and multi-channel point activities. This allows for real-time monitoring of experimental signals, facilitating subsequent processing.

[0027] The two sliding blocks 106 are slidably connected to the support platform 105 and are located on either side of the support platform 105. The two locking devices 107 are rotatably mounted on the two sliding blocks 106, respectively. The first spring 108 is disposed between the two sliding blocks 106, and the second limiting device 104 is disposed on the sliding blocks 106. The two sliding blocks 106 can slide relative to the support platform 105. After sliding to a designated position, a high-resistance silicon dish for culturing in vitro cells is placed between the two sliding blocks 106. The first spring 108 tightens and secures the two sliding blocks 106. The locking devices 107 are rotated toward the support platform 105 to lock the position of the sliding blocks 106, thereby more conveniently securing the high-resistance silicon dish for culturing in vitro cells. Furthermore, the second limiting device 104 can be used to secure the animal, making the securing operation more convenient.

[0028] The linkage rack 110 is fixedly connected to the slider body 109 and is located on one side of the slider body 109. The linkage gear 111 is rotatably connected to the support platform 105 and meshes with the two linkage racks 110. When the slider body 109 on one side is pulled, the linkage rack 110 on one side can drive the linkage gear 111 to rotate, thereby driving the slider body 109 on the other side to slide together, thereby making it more convenient to use.

[0029] The rotating rod 112 is rotatably connected to the sliding block 106 and is located on one side of the sliding block 106. The limiting rod 113 is slidably connected to the sliding block 106 and is close to the rotating rod 112. The second spring 114 is provided between the limiting rod 113 and the sliding block 106. The rotating rod 112 can be rotated to contact the support platform 105. The limiting rod 113, supported by the second spring 114, pops out and enters the limiting groove 115 on the rotating rod 112, locking the position of the rotating rod 112, thereby making the fixation more stable.

[0030] The two rotating plates 116 are rotatably connected to the two sliding blocks 106, respectively, and are located on one side of the sliding block 106. When the high-resistance silicon dish for culturing in vitro cells is relatively high, the rotating plates 116 can be rotated to a vertical position, thereby stably clamping the high-resistance silicon dish for culturing in vitro cells.

[0031] The rotating rod body 117 is rotatably connected to the sliding block 106 and is located on one side of the sliding block 106. The pressure plate 118 is slidably connected to the rotating rod body 117. The compression spring 119 is disposed between the rotating rod body 117 and the pressure plate 118. The compression spring 119 can apply a compression force to the pressure plate 118, thereby allowing the pressure plate 118 to be more closely attached to the support platform 105 and maintain the pressure.

[0032] When using the irradiation chamber of this embodiment, the slider body 109 is slid to open the other slider body 109 via the linkage gear 111. A high-resistance silicon dish for culturing in vitro cells is placed between the two slider bodies 109. The slider body 109 is released, and the two slider bodies 109 are brought together under the restoring force of the first spring 108 to clamp the high-resistance silicon dish for culturing in vitro cells. The rotating rod body 117 is then rotated, and the pressing spring 119 exerts pressure on the pressure plate 118 against the support platform 105, thereby locking the position of the slider body 109. At this time, the limiting rod 113, supported by the second spring 114, pops out and enters the limiting groove 115 on the rotating rod body 117, completing the locking. Experiments can be conducted using the terahertz generator 101 and the optical path propagation and beam splitting device 102, making it more convenient to use. If the high-resistance silicon dish for culturing in vitro cells is not fixed, the animal can be directly fixed using the second limiting device 104.

[0033] Second embodiment

[0034] See also Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity, according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Based on the first embodiment, the second limiting device 104 of the terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity of the present invention includes multiple fixing members 201, each of which includes a rotating sleeve 202, a sliding plate 203, and an elastic wire 204.

[0035] The plurality of fixing members 201 are respectively arranged on the sliding block 106. The limbs of the animal can be fixed by the plurality of fixing members 201, making it more convenient to use.

[0036] The second limiting device 104 also includes a rotating column and a rotating motor. The rotating column is rotatably connected to the support platform 105 and is located at the bottom of the support platform 105. The output end of the rotating motor is fixedly connected to the rotating column. The sliding plate 203 is slidably connected to the sliding block 106 and is located on the top of the sliding block 106. The two ends of the elastic line 204 are connected to the sliding plate 203 and the rotating column. The rotating sleeve 202 is rotatably disposed on the sliding plate 203. With the rotating sleeve 202 connected to the animal's limbs, starting the rotating motor can drive the rotating column to rotate, thereby driving the elastic line 204 to be reeled onto the rotating column, thereby pulling the sliding block 106 to fix the animal's limbs. The use of the elastic line 204 can allow the animal to move locally.

[0037] Third embodiment

[0038] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of detail A. Based on the second embodiment, the rotating sleeve 202 of the present invention includes a rotating disk 301, a left clamp 302, a right clamp 303, and a magnet 304. The rotating disk 301 is rotatably connected to the sliding plate 203. The left clamp 302 and the right clamp 303 are rotatably connected to the rotating disk 301 and are located on both sides of the rotating disk 301. The magnet 304 is provided on the left clamp 302 and the right clamp 303.

[0039] Since the animal is relatively small and has little power to break free, a fixing method using magnets 304 is adopted. When fixing, the animal's limbs are placed between the left clamp 302 and the right clamp 303, and the left clamp 302 and the right clamp 303 are fixed by magnets 304, and the rotating disk 301 allows the animal's limbs to rotate.

[0040] Fourth embodiment

[0041] See also Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of a terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Based on the third embodiment, the terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity of the present invention further includes a temperature monitoring device 401, which includes a cover 402, a heater 403, a circulating fan 404, a temperature sensor 405, and an observation window 406.

[0042] The cover plate 402 is slidably connected to the support platform 105 and is located on both sides of the support platform 105. The heater 403 is arranged on the cover plate 402. The circulating fan 404 is arranged on one side of the heater 403. The temperature sensor 405 is arranged on the support platform 105. The observation window 406 is fixedly connected to the cover plate 402 and is located on one side of the cover plate 402. In addition, a humidity sensor can be provided to detect the humidity.

[0043] The fixing device 103 further includes a stabilizing pad 407 , which is disposed at the bottom of the supporting platform 105 .

[0044] Terahertz waves generate a thermal reaction when radiated, so the temperature and humidity in the radiation chamber need to be monitored. The temperature is required to be below 42 degrees Celsius and the humidity is below 20%. The sample chamber is an N2 environment. To avoid a decrease in accuracy due to temperature during the experiment, the cover 402 is provided to seal the space above the support table 105. The temperature sensor 405 can detect the temperature inside the cover 402. When the temperature does not meet the requirements, the heater 403 can be activated to heat the space inside the cover 402. The circulating fan 404 quickly drives the heat to circulate within the cover 402 to quickly distribute the heat evenly, thereby improving the experimental accuracy. The experimental temperature needs to be controlled below 42 degrees Celsius. The observation window 406 allows the internal experimental conditions to be observed when the cover 402 is closed.

Claims

1. A terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity, comprising a terahertz generator, an optical path propagation and beam splitting device, characterized in that: It also includes a fixing device and a second limiting device, the fixing device includes a support platform, two sliding blocks, two locks and a first spring, the terahertz generating device and the optical path propagation and beam splitting device are arranged on one side of the support platform, the two sliding blocks are slidably connected to the support platform and are located on both sides of the support platform, the two locks are respectively rotatably set on the two sliding blocks, the first spring is set between the two sliding blocks, and the second limiting device is set on the sliding block; the second limiting device includes a plurality of fixing parts, and the plurality of fixing parts are respectively set on the sliding blocks, and the fixing parts include a rotating sleeve, a sliding plate and an elastic line, The second limiting device also includes a rotating column and a rotating motor. The rotating column is rotatably connected to the support platform and is located at the bottom of the support platform. The output end of the rotating motor is fixedly connected to the rotating column. The sliding plate is slidably connected to the sliding block and is located at the top of the sliding block. The two ends of the elastic line are connected to the sliding plate and the rotating column. The rotating sleeve is rotatably arranged on the sliding plate. The rotating sleeve includes a rotating disk, a left clamp, a right clamp and a magnet. The rotating disk is rotatably connected to the sliding plate. The left clamp and the right clamp are rotatably connected to the rotating disk and are located on both sides of the rotating disk. The magnet is arranged on the left clamp and the right clamp.

2. A terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding block includes a slider body and a linkage rack, and the fixing device also includes a linkage gear. The linkage rack is fixedly connected to the slider body and is located on one side of the slider body. The linkage gear is rotatably connected to the support platform and meshes with the two linkage racks.

3. A terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking device includes a rotating rod, a limiting rod and a second spring. The rotating rod has a limiting groove. The rotating rod is rotatably connected to the sliding block and is located on one side of the sliding block. The limiting rod is slidably connected to the sliding block and is close to the rotating rod. The second spring is arranged between the limiting rod and the sliding block.

4. A terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fixing device further comprises two rotating plates, which are respectively rotatably connected to the two sliding blocks and are located on one side of the sliding block.

5. A terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity according to claim 4, characterized in that: The rotating rod includes a rotating rod body, a pressure plate and a compression spring. The rotating rod body is rotatably connected to the sliding block and is located on one side of the sliding block. The pressure plate is slidably connected to the rotating rod body. The compression spring is arranged between the rotating rod body and the pressure plate.

6. The terahertz optical irradiation chamber suitable for real-time monitoring of neural activity according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing device further includes a stabilizing pad, which is arranged at the bottom of the supporting platform.

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