Creating a portable backpack for brain sampling in rats

Portable Microsampling Backpack with Integrated Sensing System

NIH-funded research University of Arkansas at Fayetteville · NIH-11039465

This study is creating a special backpack that lets researchers collect brain samples from free-moving rats, helping them learn more about brain chemistry in a new and exciting way.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Arkansas at Fayetteville NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fayetteville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11039465 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a portable microsampling backpack designed for neuroscience studies, allowing for brain sampling in unrestrained rats. The backpack will integrate advanced fluidic handling systems and chemical sensors, enabling real-time data collection and analysis. The project involves creating a prototype that combines microdialysis probes with a battery-powered system, ensuring durability and functionality during in vivo testing. This innovative approach aims to enhance the capabilities of neuroscience research by providing a new tool for studying brain chemistry.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research are individuals with neurological disorders or conditions that affect brain function, as the findings could lead to new insights and therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to brain function or those not involved in neuroscience research may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the methods available for studying brain function and chemistry in real-time, leading to better understanding and treatment of neurological conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of portable sampling systems is innovative, similar approaches in neuroscience have shown promise, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Fayetteville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.