3Brain BioCAM X, Руководство пользователя

Страница: 16 / 45

16
BioCAM X handling and use
The BioCAM X instrument is made with a solid metal case and with optimized electronics that make
the system robust to mechanical and vibrational noise. Even if it is recommended, the installation on an
anti-vibration table is not mandatory.
Moreover, the instrument has been design to be shielded from external electrical environmental noise.
However, to guarantee optimal recording performances simple precautions as listed here below should
be followed:
• Position the BioCAM X far from potential strong noise sources, such as fridges, incubators etc… In-
deed, if not well shielded these instruments might generate electromagnetic noise.
• Connect the BioCAM X to adequate power lines with low noise levels.
• Take care to avoid that electrical cables connected to the BioCAM X (in particular, the one for the
power supply and for the Camera Link) do not pass near other power supplies.
• Check that the cable connectors are well inserted into the BioCAM X and the Host PC before operat-
ing the platform.
The system allows for the integration of a perfusion system as it is needed for maintaining tissues
during electrophysiological measures. Even if precautions have been taken in designing the system to
prevent liquids to enter in contact with the internal electronics, spill out of electrophysiological solution
that might get into the BioChip slot should be strictly avoided. However, should this happen please
follow these steps:
1. Immediately switch OFF the BioCAM and remove the BioChip.
2. Clean accurately the BioChip Bay of the BioCAM X with ethanol 96% and let it dry. Execute the same
procedure for all the BioChip parts but for the BioChip reservoir and in particular for the BioChip con-
nector pads.
3. In case after the cleaning with ethanol, there are still doubts that some liquid could have been
penetrated into the BioCAM X, do not switch on the system for at least one day, allowing the liquid
to be completed dried and preserving internal circuitry from potential oxidative and short-circuit
effects.
Some precautions have to be also taken when manipulating the pseudo-reference, which from one
side (connector) is connected to the BioCAM X and whose other end (platinum wire) needs to be placed
into the bath solution inside the BioChips:
• Handle the reference with care by wearing gloves and avoid touching the platinum wire (i.e. the part
of the reference that is in contact with the electrophysiological solution).
• Clean regularly the reference to guarantee optimal recording performances. The platinum wire
of the reference should be rinsed with deionized water before starting and after an experimental
session. Alternatively, for a heavier cleaning, the platinum wire only can be immersed in HCl 0.1M for
about 1 minute and then abundantly rinsed with deionized water.
• When the BioChip is inserted and the reference is positioned in the electrophysiological solu-
tion, the operation of switching ON or OFF the BioCAM X might cause electrical glitches that can
potentially damage the circuitry of the CMOS-MEA chip.
To avoid this, it is a good practice to follow
the operational sequence of plugging the BioChip, switching ON the BioCAM X and then insert the
reference into the liquid. In an analogous way, remove the reference from the electrophysiological
solution before switching OFF the BioCAM X and unplug the BioChip.