R2 System
The R2 System is a metal implant system for extracellular electrophysiology that can be used to recover and reuse silicon probes.
Description
The R2 System is an open-source silicon probe implantation system developed by 3D Neuro based on designs from the Buzsáki lab. This system enables probe Recovery and Reuse, maximizing their value.
Probes are secured to a metal carrier, either a drive or a rail without a drive mechanism, which is mounted on a base that is affixed to the skull. During explantation, the probe is easily recovered by unmounting the carrier from the base. The carrier can then be remounted on a new base and re-implanted multiple times, for as long as the probe maintains its integrity. This allows a typically single-use probe to be reused in three or more experiments.
The R2 system also includes a surgery holder for secure implantation and explantation and headgear to protect the implant and provide electrical isolation. Holders and headgears are designed specifically to complement the carriers/drives, allowing precision during implant/explantation, protecting the probe flex-cable and cutting down on surgery time.
The smallest implant system weighs approximately 0.47 grams, so it can be used in freely moving mice. There is also a rat version of the headgear. The small footprint makes it possible to fit more than one drive/rail per headcap.
Features
Compatibility with almost any chronic silicon probe, including Neuropixels 1.0 and 2.0
Precisely micromachined metal components ensure reliability and durability
Reuse silicon probes three or more times, until the impedance degrades. Probe recovery rate is 70-80% intitially, 100% with experience
Travel distance: 7mm in models with a drive
Small footprint = 3.3 x 4.45 mm allows targeting multiple brain areas.
Implants and headcaps form a fully integrated system but can be used independently
Lightweight: R2drive = 0.47g; Mouse cap = 2.2g; Rat cap = 11g
Pre-assembled headcap cuts at least 40 mins of surgery time
Headcaps do not require skull screws, making them minimally invasive
R2 System Components
The take full advantage of the R2 System, you need:
A metal carrier, with or without a drive mechanism. Drive arms come in two sizes, S and L
A stereotaxic holder for implantation/explantation,
Headgear to protect the implant in freely moving animals (versions for mice and rats).
Get all of these components and accessories in our store.
Citing the R2 System
When using the R2 System, please cite the paper:
Mihály Vöröslakos, Peter C Petersen, Balázs Vöröslakos, György Buzsáki (2021) Metal microdrive and head cap system for silicon probe recovery in freely moving rodent eLife 10:e65859. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.65859