TinyFSCV: FSCV for the Masses

© 2001-2011 IEEE. The ability to monitor neurochemical dynamics in target brain regions with a high degree of temporal resolution has assisted researchers in investigating the pathogenesis, and pathophysiology of a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Current systems for neurochemical monitoring are bulky or expensive, limiting widespread exploration of this research field and preventing large-scale parallel experimentation. In this paper, we present a new miniaturized research platform, the TinyFSCV system, which can be used to monitor dynamic changes in neurochemicals through Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry (FSCV). This system contains a precision voltage output circuit that can accurately output potentials between -0.55 to 2 V and scan a connected electrochemical cell at up to 400 V/s, the required speed to sense most neurochemicals with FSCV. In addition, the device includes precision current measurement circuity with a measurement range of -115 to 115μA capable of taking measurements at up to 56 KS/s. Four experiments are conducted to demonstrate the capability of the system. These consisted of: static bench tests, static ferrocene tests, and static and dynamic dopamine tests. These experiments demonstrate the ability of the miniaturized platform to accurately sense and measure neurochemicals. Ultimately, the TinyFSCV system is a platform that can enable large-scale, low-cost parallel experimentation to take place in the field of neurochemical monitoring. In addition, this device will increase the accessibility of neurochemical sensing, providing advanced tools and techniques to more researchers, and facilitating widespread exploration of the field of neurodynamics.