1. Development of a Device for Neurochemical Sample Collection from Freely Moving Monkeys
Team Members:
Angwei Law
Cole Drifka
Lauren Eichaker
Paul Schildgen
Client:
Dr. Ei Terasawa, Dept. of Pediatrics
Advisor:
Professor John G. Webster, Dept. of BME

2. Outline Client Research Experimental Setup Current Design
Problem Statement
Design Requirements
Strap Alternatives
Cylindrical Alternatives
Modification and Testing
Ethical Considerations

3. Background-Research Control of growth and development
Brain’s role in triggering puberty
Measures neuropeptides in hypothalamus for neuroendocrine studies
Rhesus monkeys as model system for humans
Associated Press. “Scientists Map Genome of Rhesus Monkey” 13 Apr 2007.
4 Mar <

4. Background-Experimental Setup
Metal ring implanted into skull
Microdrive unit attached
Monkey transferred to chair
Microdialysis probe inserted
Tubing attached to fraction collector and pump
Monkey confined to chair for 12 hours
Forst SI, et al., Microdialysis methods for in vivo neropeptide measurement in the Stalk-median eminence in the Rhesus monkey, J Neurosci Methods (2007), doi: /j.jneumeth
SAEN. The Mary T. and Frank L. Hoffman Family Foundation. 11 Feb Mar <

5. Client’s Project Goals
Construct protective device for microdrive unit
Free monkey from chairing
Protects microdrive unit from damage

6. Current Design “Cushion and Shell” design
Cushion: silicone rubber core
Shell: thin aluminum
3 components interlock at an interface
Base is form fitting around head
Total Weight: g

7. Current Problem Statement
Improve on the device created last semester
Involves making the device:
Lighter
More secure
Better able to cushion the microdrive unit

8. PDS Safe for monkey Safe from monkey Promotes mobility
Weight: Under 500 g
Safe from monkey
Force: Withstand 100 N
Stable
Promotes mobility

9. Strap Design Alternatives
Configuration needs to fit on multiple monkeys with variable head sizes
Design features a single piece
Fastens on each side of base and in back of the collar
Nylon material

10. Lock and Key
Pros
Cannot be opened without key so monkey cannot open it
Easy to use
Cons
Keeping track of key
Restricted adjustability
Determining increments

11. Zip Tie Pros Cons Adjustable in small increments Easy to use
Can not disengage without scissors
Cons
Wasteful with respect to the number of zip ties used

12. Belt Loop Pros Cons Ease of manufacture Ease of use Safety
Not very adjustable

13. Design Matrix-Straps CRITERIA WEIGHT LOCK & KEY ZIP TIE BELT LOOP
Security from Monkey 30 28 25 20
Adjustability
Ease of Use 17 22
Ease of Construction 15 13
TOTAL
100 83 95 80

14. Cylindrical Top Alternatives
Protects the upper extension of the microdrive unit
15 cm tall cylindrical shell
5 cm outside diameter
3 mm thick lip on lower end
Threaded holes on the top for tether attachment
Aluminum
Porous Aluminum
Plastic

15. Cylindrical Top Alternative
Aluminum
Pros
Strength
Easy of manufacture
Cons
Weight
Estimated g
Measured g
Potential for anaerobic bacteria

16. Cylindrical Top Alternative
Porous Aluminum (3 mm Holes)
Pros
Strength
Easy of manufacture
Overall Safety
Cons
Weight
Estimated (60 holes) g
Only 2.03 g difference/60 holes

17. Cylindrical Top Alternative
Plastic (HDPE)
Pros
Strength
Twice as thick
Weight
Estimated-84.4 g
34.4 g difference
Cons
Ease of manufacture
Safety (Interface)
Interface

18. Design Matrix-Cylindrical Top
CRITERIA
WEIGHT
ALUMINUM
POROUS ALUMINUM
PLASTIC
Weight 30 20 22 25
Ability to Withstand Force 28 26
Safety
Ease of Construction 10 9 4
TOTAL
100 85 87 81
Vest with rod and ring
Cushion
Cylinder
Helmet
Security from Monkey
(30) 15 18
Security from Slip
(20) 7 10
Ability to Withstand Force 25
Ease of Use
(10) 3 8
Ease of Construction 5 6
Safety
Total 53 70 67

19. Future Work Test on monkey Incorporate straps
Available beginning of November
Incorporate straps
Make design modifications
Weight considerations
Non-specific use
Swivel system
Microdrive visibility

20. Ethical Considerations
Research abides by strict federal regulations
Monkeys under constant supervision and care
Monkeys are not harmed or ill-treated during the experiment

21. Credits Ei Terasawa Kim Keen Bruce Pape Professor Webster
Primate Center Staff
Last Semester’s Design Team

22. Questions?