Modular Current Stimulation System for Pre-clinical Studies

Abstract

Electric stimulators with precise and reliable outputs are an indispensable part of electrophysiological research. From single cells to deep brain or neuromuscular tissue, there are diverse targets for electrical stimulation. Even though commercial systems are available, we state the need for a low-cost, high precision, functional, and modular (hardware, firmware, and software) current stimulation system with the capacity to generate stable and complex waveforms for pre-clinical research. The system presented in this study is a USB controlled 4-channel modular current stimulator that can be expanded and generate biphasic arbitrary waveforms with 16-bit resolution, high temporal precision (µs), and passive charge balancing: the NES STiM (Neuro Electronic Systems Stimulator). We present a detailed description of the system's structural design, the controlling software, reliability test, and the pre-clinical studies [deep brain stimulation (DBS) in hemi-PD rat model] in which it was utilized. The NES STiM has been tested with MacOS and Windows operating systems. Interfaces to MATLAB source codes are provided. The system is inexpensive, relatively easy to build and can be assembled quickly. We hope that the NES STiM will be used in a wide variety of neurological applications such as Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), DBS and closed loop neurophysiological research.

Systematic Evaluation of DBS Parameters in the Hemi-Parkinsonian Rat Model

“…All the electrical stimulation pulses were produced by an open-source, custom-made electrical stimulator: the NES STiM. Detailed system descriptions, as well as a comparison between the NES STiM and common commercial devices, have been previously published ( Mottaghi et al, 2020 ). In brief, the NES STiM is able to generate four independent biphasic arbitrary current waveforms using four dedicated current source modules.…”

Conductive block copolymer elastomers and psychophysical thresholding for accurate haptic effects

“…After assessing safety protocols, our 10 human participants were subjected to experiments with the haptic device on the ventral forearm. Biphasic current stimulation is advisable to minimize pain perception and avoid half-cell reactions ( 46 ). Quantifying pain thresholds allowed us to know whether a participant would feel uncomfortable for succeeding tasks.…”