DONALD WLODKOWIC LAB

AUTOMATED ANIMAL TRAINING

Experimental data on the cognitive functions of aquatic invertebrates, larval stages of fish, and amphibians are scarce due to a lack of easily accessible automated systems for unbiased instrumental and associative conditioning protocols.

In response to this challenge, we have recently developed a proof-of-concept prototype of a real-time animal tracking system. This innovative system can deliver a conditioning stimulus as a direct consequence of specific animal behaviors.

We envision that this pioneering system will open new vistas for cognitive studies.

HIGH-THROUGHPUT BEHAVIOURAL TESTS

The proliferation of chemicals capable of modifying behavior necessitates a shift from labor-intensive behavioral tests to higher-throughput alternatives.

In response to this need, automated chemobehavioral screening has emerged as an effective toolbox in both aquatic ecotoxicology and the discovery of novel neuroceuticals.

Our lab has developed custom behavioral analysis systems, enabling rapid characterization of chemicals of interest and assessment of their impact on the central nervous system (CNS).

MICROFLUIDICS & CHEMOTAXIS

Chemosensory avoidance behaviors exhibited by aquatic invertebrates offer insights into adaptive responses to pollutants.

To advance behavioral studies in this area, we have been at the forefront of pioneering miniaturized perfusion technologies. These innovative microfluidic systems create discrete zones of fluids flowing adjacent to each other without mixing.

Our cutting-edge platforms enable the discovery of novel chemotactic behaviors and the development of sensitive sensory-motor biotests. These advancements have broad applications in ecology and ecotoxicology.

ELECTROTHERMAL ARRAY

The analysis of animal thermal preference behaviors has remained largely unexplored due to the absence of dedicated and user-friendly technologies.

Analyzing thermotactic behaviors presents challenges, as stable thermal gradients or defined binary temperature zones must be created and spatiotemporally controlled.

Addressing this need, our lab has spearheaded the development of an innovative, miniaturized Peltier array. This cutting-edge technology enables rapid thermal preference behavioral tests on small aquatic model organisms.

PHOTOTAXIS ANALYSIS APPARATUS

Phototactic behaviors have largely evaded broader exploration in aquatic ecotoxicology due to the lack of dedicated technologies.

In response to this limitation, our lab has recently introduced a purpose-built, low-cost system for high-throughput phototactic biotests.

Currently, we are in the process of developing more advanced prototypes that will enable the advanced exploration of complex phototactic behaviors in diverse small aquatic model organisms.

LIVING EMBRYO ARRAYS

Our lab has developed a pioneering microfluidic living embryo array technology for automated Fish Embryo Toxicity Tests (FET, OECD TG 236) in aquatic ecotoxicity testing.

This innovative technology enables rapid loading and non-invasive immobilization of fish embryos for time-lapse imaging and video microscopy. 

Embryos are suspended in continuous perfusion, providing a means of toxicant delivery that eliminates common issues related to toxicant adsorption and degradation during static tests.

IMAGING MICRO-ECHO CARDIOGRAPHY

Larval zebrafish have recently emerged as an ethically acceptable experimental system for minimally invasive identification of pharmaceutical effects on the cardiovascular system.

In response to this need, our lab has developed an innovative Lab-on-a-Chip approach for non-invasive imaging micro-echocardiography (iμEC) on hydrodynamically immobilized larval stages of zebrafish.

The iμEC system enables precise quantification of temporal cardiac patterns through analysis of video streams from a high-resolution camera. It offers new capabilities for rapidly assessing pharmacologically-induced perturbations in cardiac function via real-time and non-invasive monitoring of zebrafish larvae.