A low noise recording bath and acquisition system for electrophysiological recordings

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of electrophysiology, concretely relates to a low noise recording groove and collection system for electrophysiological recording, including tray, the tray adopts insulating material to make, the tray edge extends outward and forms the leak protection board with radial, the placing block is arranged in the tray, the placing groove is opened to the placing block top surface, the placing block top surface is opened the recess in the symmetry, the utility model can reduce the possibility that the tray surface forms the conductive path, and then reduce the electromagnetic interference in the conductive path coupling environment and form the serious background noise, the possibility of interfering with useful electrophysiological signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrophysiology, specifically to a low-noise recording tank and acquisition system for electrophysiological recording. Background Technology

[0002] Patch-clamp electrophysiological recording is a core technique for studying the function of excitable cells such as neurons and cardiomyocytes. During experiments, when the patch-clamp amplifier records the electrical signals of biological samples, electromagnetic waves generated by peripheral equipment are transmitted to the amplifier via the probe, mixing with and amplifying the biological signals, thus causing interference. The recording chamber, as a key component housing cells, tissues, and recording solutions, is the primary pathway for this type of external noise introduction.

[0003] However, most existing recording tanks are made of metal. When the recording solution overflows onto the outer wall of the tray due to improper operation, liquid surface sloshing, or dripping of the perfusion system, the overflowing solution will form a conductive path on the surface of the metal tray. The conductive path will couple electromagnetic interference in the environment and directly introduce it into the recording system, forming serious background noise that seriously interferes with or even obliterates useful electrophysiological signals. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned shortcomings in existing technologies, this invention provides a low-noise recording slot for electrophysiological recording, which solves the problem that electromagnetic interference from the environment is coupled into the recording system after a conductive path is formed on the surface of the existing recording slot, and is directly introduced into the recording system, resulting in severe background noise that seriously interferes with or even obliterates useful electrophysiological signals.

[0005] In the process of solving the above-mentioned technical problems, the inventors discovered that: 1. If the diameter of the anti-leakage plate of the recording tank is set too small, it will not be able to cover the gap between the tray and the stage, and the recording solution will easily drip onto the surface of the precision instrument below. 2. If the diameter of the anti-leakage plate of the recording tank is set too large or a baffle is installed, it will affect the thin tube that holds the output recording solution, making it inconvenient for the test personnel to operate. 3. Setting the thickness of the anti-leakage plate of the recording slot too high will hinder the adjustment of the objective lens height and affect the observation of the experimenter.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A low-noise recording tray for electrophysiological recording includes a tray made of insulating material, the tray having a leak-proof plate extending radially outward from its edge; and a placement block disposed within the tray, the placement block having a placement groove on its top surface and symmetrically having recesses on its top surface.

[0007] In this way, when preparing for recording, the circular glass slide carrying the recording cells is fixed to the placement slot with sealant. The top surface of the placement block has symmetrical grooves for the input and output of the recording solution, and the recording solution enters and exits the placement block through the thin tubes. The edge of the tray extends outward radially to form a leak-proof plate. The tray is made of insulating material. This structure can reduce the possibility of forming a conductive path on the surface of the tray, thereby reducing the possibility of electromagnetic interference in the environment caused by the conductive path coupling to form serious background noise and interfering with the electrophysiological signals.

[0008] Furthermore, the diameter of the leak-proof plate is 1 cm larger than the outer diameter of the tray, so that the recording solution that overflows due to liquid sloshing can remain on the surface of the leak-proof plate, thereby reducing the possibility of recording solution leakage and contamination or damage to the precision microscopic imaging equipment below.

[0009] Furthermore, the thickness of the leak-proof plate is no more than 1mm, so it does not affect the operator's ability to adjust the height of the objective lens, making it convenient for the operator to observe.

[0010] Furthermore, a buffer groove is formed between the inner wall of the tray and the side of the placement block, thereby collecting any recording solution that overflows from the placement groove and reducing the possibility of recording solution leakage.

[0011] Furthermore, the insulating material is a biocompatible plastic, which facilitates sterilization and disinfection by testing personnel.

[0012] Furthermore, the tray, leak-proof plate, and placement block are integrally molded using 3D printing, which enables the design and manufacturing of the recording slot to be completed quickly according to the specific size of the experimental sample and the electrode layout requirements, thereby improving the flexibility of the experiment.

[0013] This invention also provides an electrophysiological signal acquisition system, including electrodes, a signal amplifier, a data acquisition device, and the electrophysiological recording tank described in any one of the above. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a low-noise recording tank for electrophysiological recording according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram (another orientation) of an embodiment of a low-noise recording tank for electrophysiological recording according to the present invention. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a low-noise recording tank for electrophysiological recording according to the present invention; Figure 4 A diagram of postsynaptic current signals for neurophysiological excitability recorded using a traditional metal recording slot; Figure 5This invention relates to a low-noise recording slot for electrophysiological recording, used to record excitatory postsynaptic current signals of nerve electrophysiology. Reference numerals in the accompanying drawings: Tray 1, leak-proof plate 101, buffer groove 102; Placement block 2, placement slot 201, groove 202. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand this utility model, the technical solution of this utility model will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0016] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are schematic diagrams, not actual images. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. To better illustrate the embodiments of this utility model, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0017] Example 1: like Figures 1-3 As shown, this utility model discloses a low-noise recording tank for electrophysiological recording, comprising a tray 1. The tray 1 is made of an insulating material, specifically a biocompatible plastic, preferably PEEK, PMMA, or ABS. The tray 1, the leak-proof plate 101, and the placement block 2 are integrally formed. Specifically, the tray 1, the leak-proof plate 101, and the placement block 2 are integrally formed using 3D printing technology. The use of plastic materials reduces costs significantly, far lower than metal materials and CNC machining, making the recording tank a low-cost consumable that is convenient for laboratories to purchase in bulk or print as needed. At the same time, using 3D printing technology allows researchers to design and manufacture new recording tanks within days or even hours, based on the specific dimensions of experimental samples and electrode layout requirements, greatly improving the flexibility of experiments.

[0018] A leak-proof plate 101 is formed by radially extending outward from the edge of the tray 1. The diameter of the leak-proof plate 101 is 1 cm larger than the outer diameter of the tray 1. Specifically, the leak-proof plate 101 can cover the gap between the tray 1 and the stage supporting the tray 1, reducing the possibility of leakage of the recording solution. The thickness of the leak-proof plate 101 is no more than 1 mm, which makes it easy for the operator to adjust the height of the observation lens. The tray 1 is provided with a placement block 2. The top surface of the placement block 2 has a placement groove 201 and a groove 202 symmetrically formed on the top surface of the placement block 2. Specifically, the placement groove 201 is used to place a circular glass slide for holding the recorded cells, and the symmetrical grooves 202 are used to place the thin tubes for input and output recording solutions, respectively. The inner wall of the tray 1 and the side of the placement block 2 form a buffer groove 102.

[0019] Example 2: This utility model also relates to an electrophysiological signal acquisition system, including electrodes, a signal amplifier, a data acquisition device, and the aforementioned electrophysiological recording tank. In this way, when acquiring signals, the electrodes are inserted into the recording solution of the data acquisition device. The electrical signal is processed by the signal amplifier and then acquired by the data acquisition device. By setting a ground wire next to the placement block 2, interference with the ground pool is reduced. Specifically, the ground pool refers to a stable, clean, and low-impedance local reference potential point artificially established inside the amplifier (especially the probe of the patch clamp amplifier).

[0020] Electrophysiological recording tanks made of biocompatible plastic materials, specifically PEEK, PMMA, or ABS, can reduce the possibility of conductive paths forming on the tray surface, thereby reducing the possibility of electromagnetic interference in the conductive path coupling environment causing severe background noise and interfering with useful electrophysiological signals.

[0021] like Figures 4-5 As shown, after the tray 1 is made of insulating material, even if the recording solution overflows onto the outer surface of the tray, it cannot form an effective conductive path on the surface of the insulator. This reduces the possibility of environmental electromagnetic interference being coupled into the recording system through the overflowing solution. Specifically, the electromagnetic interference in the environment is 50 / 60Hz power frequency interference, which greatly reduces the background noise in electrophysiological recording and improves the signal-to-noise ratio and signal acquisition quality.

[0022] The above are merely embodiments of this utility model. Commonly known structures and characteristics are not described in detail here. Those skilled in the art are aware of all common technical knowledge in the field prior to the application date or priority date, are aware of all existing technologies in that field, and have the ability to apply conventional experimental methods prior to that date. Those skilled in the art can, based on the guidance provided in this application, improve and implement this solution in combination with their own capabilities. Some typical known structures or methods should not be obstacles for those skilled in the art to implement this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of this utility model. These should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model, and will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of this utility model or the practicality of the patent.

Claims

1. A low-noise recording tank for electrophysiological recording, characterized in that, include: The tray (1) is made of insulating material and the edge of the tray (1) extends outward radially to form a leak-proof plate (101). Placement block (2), the tray (1) is provided with placement block (2), the top surface of placement block (2) has a placement groove (201), and the top surface of placement block (2) has a groove (202) symmetrically formed.

2. The low-noise recording tank for electrophysiological recording as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the leak-proof plate (101) is 1 cm larger than the outer diameter of the tray (1).

3. The low-noise recording tank for electrophysiological recording as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The thickness of the leak-proof plate (101) is no more than 1 mm.

4. The low-noise recording tank for electrophysiological recording as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the tray (1) and the side of the placement block (2) form a buffer groove (102).

5. A low-noise recording tank for electrophysiological recording as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating material is a biocompatible plastic.

6. A low-noise recording tank for electrophysiological recording as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The tray (1), the leak-proof plate (101), and the placement block (2) are integrally formed.

7. An electrophysiological signal acquisition system, characterized in that, include: Electrodes, signal amplifiers, data acquisition devices, and the electrophysiological recording tank according to any one of claims 1-6.

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