Flexible Electrode for Electrocolonogram Monitoring and Stimulation in a Mouse Model

Abstract

We have created a fabrication method for a flexible electrode for electrocolonogram monitoring and bowel stimulation on a mouse model. Specifically, the electrode can be used as a part of a system to monitor and/or stimulate the serosal surface of the colon in the caudal direction. This is done in order to monitor or induce the peristaltic movement that occurs down the bowel. The electrode has been designed to be flexible to handle the changing diameters of a mouse’s bowel as well as fabricated to be thin and small enough to avoid any disruptions or problems to the mouse’s health after implant. Physical validation of the electrode has proved that it is small and thin enough for mouse implant. Further validation of the electrode still needs to be done to ensure that the electrode can face the environmental conditions inside of a mouse model. The fabrication method utilized to create this electrode was demonstrated to be an effective method in creating thin and small Ecoflex electrodes for mouse implant. This electrode can be used in the future as a part of a closed loop bowel monitoring and stimulation system for a conscious mouse.