Design of an affordable and easy-to-implement one photon microscope for imaging of neural activity during behavior.

KROPFF, E.; MUGNAINI, M.; PIATTI, V. C.; SANGIULIANO JIMKA, F; GRECCO, H. C.; SCHINDER, A. F.

Mar del Plata

Congreso; XXXII Congreso Anual SAN; 2017

Fluorescence microscopy of proteins such as GCamp6 has made it possible to observe neural activity of large neural populations. In particular, recently developed miniaturized one photon microscopes enable the simultaneous recording of hundreds of genetically targeted neurons in behaving animals, with stability of months. However, commercially available microscopes are prohibitively expensive, while Do It Yourself alternatives have two main drawbacks. On one hand, they require a complex logistics that makes difficult their implementation in developing or peripheral countries. On the other, the manufacturing process requires specialized skills, such as experience with soldering ultra-small surfacemount device components. Here we test an open source prototype and propose several improvements adapted to the needs of Latin American laboratories. As a proof of principle, fluorescence images of fixed YFP-expressing mouse brain slices taken with the miniaturized prototype are shown to match those obtained with standard bench fluorescence microscopes. Based on the experience of building this prototype, we discuss several improvements regarding the design of the microscope body, the optics and the imaging hardware. Together, these improvements will make this technology affordable to neuroscience laboratories with no previous knowledge in microscopy or specialized skills in the assembly of electronic components.