Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure that utilizes electrical stimulation to affect neural activity and has a mechanism that is currently unknown. To address this problem, a stimulation device for a model system (C. elegans) had to be designed. This was composed of an electrical stimulator, a microfluidic device and a mechanism for automation. To meet this goal a number of parameters needed to be determined, including the minimum viable electric field which was 0.28 V/mm. The device created was capable of a range of 3.3 – 30V, 1 Hz -150 kHz, and a minimum pulse width of 6.67 ns. Using automation, these parameters could be easily and accurately manipulated during experiments. The final system, which used a two-channel microfluidic device, simultaneously ran tests against a control group. Through experimentation, the device exhibited the capability of manipulating neural excitability with a 300% increase at 20V and direct activation of the neuron at 30V.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Badley, Darryl L.
• Krom, Kayla S.
• Tomboulides, Despina T.
• Driscoll, Kyleigh A.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050521-194012
• 22456

Advisor

• Albrecht, Dirk

Year

• 2021

Date created

• 2021-05-05

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biomedical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright