Design and implementation of interfaced digital kymograph and organ bath

Abstract

Kymographs are essential devices for investigating physiological parameters such as blood pressure, breathing rate and heart rate, and other pharmacological studies. However, high cost of acquiring a new kymograph has made the equipment nonexistent in most laboratories, especially in developing countries such as Ghana. In this research, an Arduino-based cost effective and easily available replacement parts prototype digital kymograph has been designed and built, together with an organ bath. A muscle contraction was used to evaluate the hardware and software systems that were developed to support the kymograph. Being more visually appealing than a traditional kymograph, the outcome demonstrates how well the instrument functions. All the materials used in this prototype are highly corrosion resistance. It also has a cooling fan, stepper-motor and driver, Arduino UNO R3 board, standby mode circuit, display unit, stop and start buttons, and speed regulator (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 2.50, 3.00 mm/sec.). Proteus 8.7 SP3 Professional and NI Multisim 13.0 were used in the design and simulation of all the circuit diagrams. C++ was used for the programming of the microcontrollers used in this research. Unlike the traditional digital kymographs which employ steel, brass, iron and wood, this research uses Carbon fiber for the shaft, the drum was made of aluminum and the main chassis which houses the electrical system is made of galvanized steel. The organ bath is made up of Perspex glass, microcontroller and operates at a temperature of 37oC. Researchers and students will have easy access to the sustainable and affordable kymograph for use in their teaching and research, particularly in developing laboratories. This makes it a novel device with overwhelming advantages for research and development in medicine and academia.