MiniStiMo
A Solution for Chronic, Wireless DBS in Small Animals
MiniStiMo is a fully open-source, low-cost, and compact wireless deep brain stimulator for small animals. It enables chronic, configurable stimulation for up to four weeks on a single battery with Bluetooth Low Energy control.
1. Overview
MiniStiMo integrates a BLE microcontroller, current-controlled stimulator, boost converter, and battery into a lightweight, head-mounted device for chronic DBS studies. The design prioritizes bill-of-materials cost, ease of use, and reproducibility.
Device Assembly
Assembled Device
2. Stimulator Performance
(Current & Voltage)
Current Output vs. Time
(130 Hz)
Voltage Across PBS & Electrode
(130 Hz)
Top: Current output in PBS across stimulation amplitudes. Bottom: measured response during stimulation.
3. System Diagram
MiniStiMo architecture
4. In Vivo Results (Parkinsonian Rat Model)
Wireless stimulation significantly reduces rotational behavior.
- 72 hours of continuous stimulation
- Battery capacity reduced from 100% to 95%
- Effective reduction in amphetamine-induced circling behavior
- Power-efficient and stable chronic performance
5. Surgical Setup
6. Videos
Device attachment and in vivo usage.
7. Supporting Materials
Open-Source. Reproducible. Accessible.
MiniStiMo is designed to lower barriers to chronic DBS research and enable reproducible science at scale.