Biela Microdrives

Biela Microdrives™

The Biela Microdrive™ is the unsurpassed standard for safe and secure neural data gathering. Originally designed to do single-cell recordings in rats and mice, it continues to be the device of choice for renowned researchers working with a wide variety of animal models.

The Biela Microdrive™ delivers the most reliable data by maintaining constant neuronal contact with targeted cells. The contact is maintained by screw-type mounting of the drive on the subject’s head using dental cement. Our experience supporting research across a wide variety of models, and environments, we are able to help you determine optimal mounting and positioning solutions that achieve your objectives.

We also offer a variety of mounting bases to use on the grids made for standard and custom chambers for larger subjects. These mounting bases enable multiple electrode recordings to be made simultaneously. Custom configurations, which can be fitted to a standard chamber grid, are also available.

Features & Benefits In Brief

  • Designed for use in short-term, or longitudinal, research studies.
  • The electrode, inserted into this unit, moves smoothly through the layers of tissue in a linear direction.
  • The electrode remains fixed, passing through the center axis of the rotating thimble.
  • Sterile access is maintained by the threaded head mount’s cap and plug.
  • Units will accept an electrode up to one (1) mm in diameter, enabling use of single or multi-electrodes.
  • The inner chamber is designed to support four (4) glass micro-pipettes drawn to a fine tip.
  • When a single electrode is sufficient, and a small opening in the skull is preferred, the 23mm can be used on any size animal.
  • Microdrive Stereotaxic Support (part # 3-MDRV-15) is available for stable positioning in a Stereotax frame during free-search recordings with an opening in the scull. This option accommodates virtually any protocol.

General specifications:
Three lengths of travel are available:

  • 10 mm (for use with mice, rats and other small rodents)
  • 14 mm (for use with mice, rats and other small rodents)
  • 23 mm (for use with larger subjects)

The Biela Microdrive is available in several sizes and configurations to meet your needs:

  • 3-MMB-1 Biela Microdrive Set, Miniature 10mm
    The set includes the Microdrive, 3 mounts with caps, and a set of tools Unit weight 2.5 grams
  • 3-MMB-2 Biela Microdrive Set, Small 14mm
    The set includes the microdrive, 3 mounts with caps, and a set of tools. Unit weight 2.9 grams
  • 3-MMB-3 Biela Microdrive Set, Medium 23 mm
    The set includes the microdrive, 3 mounts with caps, and a set of tools
  • 3-MMB-SF-9 Biela Microdrive & Foot (10mm size)
    The set includes one miniature microdrive, one mounting foot, one 000 screw and one guide tube up to 60 mm.
  • 3-MMB-SF-14 Biela Microdrive & Foot (14mm size)
    The set includes one miniature microdrive, one mounting foot, one 000 screw and one guide tube up to 60 mm.
  • 3-MMB-SF-23 Biela Microdrive & Foot (23mm size)
    The set includes one miniature microdrive, one mounting foot, one 000 screw and one guide tube up to 60 mm.
  • 3-MMB-CM Biela Microdrive, Mount & Cap
    One Mount and One Cap included in this item. Fits both the 9 mm & the 14 mm microdrive.
  • 3-MMB-1D Biela Microdrive, 10 mm (Microdrive Only)
  • 3-MMB-2D Biela Microdrive, 14 mm (Microdrive Only)
  • 3-MMB-3D Biela Microdrive, 23 mm (Microdrive Only)
  • 3-MMB-M4 Microdrive Base (Mount)

Available Spare Parts:

  • 3-MMB-SP1 Inner Sleeve Tubing 3 ft. (91.44 cm) lengths
  • 3-MMB-SP0 Outer Sleeve Tubing 3 ft. (91.44 cm) lengths
  • 3-MMB-CSP4 Microdrive Cap Plug Rod 5-3/4 in. (15cm) lengths
  • ZGM-LANO 1 Tube Lubricant Approx. 2 oz. (59.147ML)
  • 3-MDRV-14 Microdrive Foot
  • FS-000×5/32 000 Self Tapping Screw 3 per set
  • 3-MMB-Tool Biela Microdrive Tool Set One each large and small blade tool
  • 3-MMB-STS Stereotaxic Support for Biela Microdrive

The Stereotaxic holder is designed for use when the subject is in a stereotaxic device and the normal cranial holders are not used.

When ordering please specify the: Desired electrode length(s)
Specific configurations required
Any spare parts desired

A short list of mentions in research papers on the Biela Microdrive