Consumable types

Several types of consumables are available, each with specific fields to describe their characteristics in detail.

Table of contents

  1. Reagents and Solutions
    1. Chemical reagent
    2. Consumable device
    3. External identifiers
    4. Immuno reagent
    5. Pharmacological agent
    6. Physiological solution
    7. Tracer or dye
    8. Virus construct
  2. Device-Linked Consumables
    1. Optic fiber design
    2. Optical component
    3. Silicon probe design
    4. Single wire electrode
  3. API access

Reagents and Solutions

Chemical reagent

Chemical reagents cover solvents, fixatives, detergents, and other laboratory chemicals required for preparation and analysis steps.

FieldDescription
Product IDCatalog or supplier product code (string). Examples include “T8787” or “P6148”
Compound NameName of the chemical (string). Useful for search and reporting
Chemical Type(required) General classification of the reagent (enum). Options cover fixatives, detergents, buffers, solvents, dyes, polymers, and more
Concentration / StrengthSolution strength if supplied pre-diluted (string; e.g., “4%”, “1 M”, “10X”)
Molecular WeightMolecular weight of the compound (float, ≥ 0)
Purity / GradeReported purity or grade designation (string; e.g., “≥99%”, “Analytical grade”)
Storage ConditionsRecommended storage environment (string; e.g., “Room temp”, “4°C”, “Protect from light”)
Hazard InformationOptional safety notes or GHS classification (string)
Experimental Use ContextTypical workflows where the reagent is used (string; e.g., perfusion, fixation, staining)

Consumable device

Reusable or single-use devices such as tubing sets, holders, adapters, and other experiment-specific hardware.

FieldDescription
Product IDSupplier or catalog identifier (string). Supports procurement and tracking
Device Class(required) General class of consumable device (string). Helps categorize inventory
Compatible SystemsSupported platforms or rigs (string). Examples include Neuropixels, Inscopix, Doric
Physical DimensionsKey geometry or size information (string). Important for fit and compatibility
MaterialPrimary construction material (string). Influences durability and cleaning method
ConnectivityConnector or interface type (string; e.g., LC/PC, Omnetics)
Storage ConditionsRecommended storage environment (string)
Experimental Use ContextIntended or validated experimental uses (array of strings)

External identifiers

Use this table to cross-reference consumables with external databases such as NCBI, JAX, DOI, or supplier catalogs.

FieldDescription
Source(required) Database or provider of the identifier (enum; e.g., NCBI, JAX, DOI)
Identifier(required) External identifier string (string; e.g., AB_123456)
URL (optional)Direct link to the external record (string; must be a valid URL if provided)

Immuno reagent

Antibodies and related immunochemical reagents used for staining, tracing, or detection tasks.

FieldDescription
Product IDSupplier product code or catalog number (string)
Target Antigen(required) Target molecule the reagent binds to (string)
Reagent Type(required) General classification (string; e.g., primary antibody, nanobody)
Host SpeciesAnimal species in which the antibody was raised (string)
Reactivity SpeciesSpecies the antibody recognizes (string)
ClonalityIndicates monoclonal or polyclonal (string)
Conjugated Fluorophore or EnzymeAttached reporter or enzyme label (string)
Validated ApplicationsConfirmed experimental applications (array of strings; e.g., IHC, Western Blot)
Recommended DilutionSupplier-recommended dilution range (string)
Storage ConditionsStorage guidance (string; e.g., “4°C”, “-20°C”)

Pharmacological agent

Pharmacological agents encompass agonists, antagonists, anesthetics, and other compounds administered during experiments.

FieldDescription
Product IDCatalog or supplier ID (string)
Active Ingredient(required) Pharmacologically active substance (string; e.g., Ketamine, Isoflurane)
ConcentrationStated strength of the preparation (string; e.g., “10 mg/mL”, “0.1%”)
Dosage FormPhysical form supplied (enum; e.g., solution, tablet, injection)
Route of AdministrationTypical experimental delivery route (enum; e.g., IP, IV, SC)
Pharmacological Category(required) Broad category of use (enum; e.g., analgesic, anesthetic)
Pharmacological ClassMechanistic or therapeutic class (string; e.g., NSAID, NMDA antagonist)
FormulationExcipients or carriers included (string; e.g., “in 10% DMSO + saline”)
Storage ConditionsRecommended storage environment (string; e.g., “4°C”, “Protect from light”)
Purity / GradeReported purity or grade designation (string)
Experimental Use ContextContexts where the agent is applied (array of strings; e.g., surgical, behavioral)

Physiological solution

Buffers and physiological solutions prepared for perfusion, slice preparation, or maintaining explants.

FieldDescription
Composition(required) Full recipe or formula (string; e.g., 0.9% NaCl, aCSF)
Target pH valueDesired pH set point for the solution (float)
OsmolalityReported osmolality (string; e.g., “300 mOsm”)
Storage ConditionsRecommended storage (string; e.g., room temperature, 4°C)
Preparation InstructionsSteps for preparing or sterilising the solution (string)
SterileIndicates whether the solution is sterile (boolean)
Purpose / UsePrimary application contexts (array of strings; e.g., perfusion, fixation)

Tracer or dye

Tracer and dye formulations used for histology, circuit tracing, vital staining, and injection visualization.

FieldDescription
Product IDCatalog number or supplier reference (string)
Type of Dye or Tracer(required) Functional classification (string; e.g., fluorescent tracer, retrograde tracer)
FluorophoreAssociated fluorophore or spectral tag (string)
Route of ApplicationDelivery method (string; e.g., injection, perfusion, topical)
Excitation PeakExcitation wavelength (float)
Emission PeakEmission wavelength (float)
Solvent / VehicleSolvent used for preparation (string)
Storage ConditionsStorage recommendations (string)
Preparation InstructionsNotes on preparation or dilution (string)
Experimental Use ContextTypical applications selected from a predefined list (array of strings)

Virus construct

A viral vector preparation used for introducing genes into cells. Virus solutions are important for studies involving gene expression, neural circuit tracing, and optogenetics.

FieldDescription
Product idProduct identifier that must be unique for each viral construct (string). Required for tracking
Virus typeClassification of virus used (string). Options include “Adenovirus”, “AAV”, etc. Critical for application
CapsidSpecification of the viral capsid structure (string). Determines tropism and targeting
PromoterGenetic promoter sequence used in construct (string). Controls expression specificity
GeneTarget gene sequence in the construct (string). Defines the genetic modification
ReporterReporter gene or protein for tracking expression (string). Important for verification
Other elementAdditional genetic elements in construct (string). Documents supplementary components

Device-Linked Consumables

Optic fiber design

A flexible light guide used primarily in optogenetic experiments to deliver light to specific brain regions.

FieldDescription
Product ID(required) Unique identifier for the fiber design (string)
Numerical apertureOptical acceptance angle (float). Defines coupling performance
Wavelength minimum(required) Shortest supported wavelength (float)
Wavelength maximum(required) Longest supported wavelength (float)
Fiber type(required) Fiber classification (string). Distinguishes single-mode vs multi-mode
Core diameter(required) Diameter of the light-guiding core (float)
Cladding diameterCladding diameter surrounding the core (float)
Coating diameterOutside diameter including protective coating (float)
Core materialMaterial used for the fiber core (string)
Cladding materialMaterial used for the cladding layer (string)
Coating materialProtective coating material (string)

Optical component

Individual optical elements such as GRIN lenses, cranial windows, or microprisms used within experimental rigs.

FieldDescription
Product IDSupplier or catalog ID (string)
Optical Component Type(required) General class of optical element (enum; e.g., GRIN lens, optical filter, microprism)
MaterialPrimary material (string; e.g., glass, quartz, sapphire)
Physical DimensionsKey geometry information (string; e.g., diameter and length)
Surface CoatingSpecial surface treatment such as anti-reflective coatings (string)
Wavelength minimumShortest supported wavelength (float)
Wavelength maximumLongest supported wavelength (float)
SterileIndicates if the component is supplied sterile (boolean)
Storage ConditionsRecommended storage environment (string; e.g., dry box)
Experimental Use ContextApplication contexts (array of strings; e.g., chronic imaging, optogenetics)

Silicon probe design

A specialized tool for recording electrical signals from neurons. Silicon probes are vital for experiments focused on understanding brain function through electrophysiological recordings.

FieldDescription
Product idProduct identifier that must be unique for each probe design (string). Required for inventory tracking and reference
Probe layoutDescription of the probe’s physical arrangement (string). Options include “linear”, “grid”, etc. Required for experimental planning
Number of channelsTotal number of recording channels on the probe (non-negative integer). Critical for determining recording capacity
Number of shanksNumber of probe shanks (non-negative integer). Affects recording coverage and tissue impact
Spacing between shanksDistance between adjacent shanks (float). Important for spatial distribution of recording sites
Thickness of shanksPhysical thickness of each shank (float). Critical for tissue damage assessment
Length of shanksPhysical length of each shank (float). Determines recording depth capability
Area of electrode sitesSurface area of individual recording sites (float). Affects signal quality and impedance
Uniform layoutIndicates whether recording sites are uniformly spaced (boolean). Important for data analysis
Custom designIndicates whether this is a custom probe design (boolean). Relevant for manufacturing and ordering
Vertical spacing between sitesDistance between recording sites along vertical axis (float). Critical for spatial resolution

Single wire electrode

A simple yet effective tool for measuring electrical activity at a single site. Single wire electrodes are commonly used in studies examining neural or muscular electrical activity.

FieldDescription
Product idProduct identifier that must be unique for each electrode (string). Required for inventory
MaterialComposition of the electrode wire (string). Critical for electrical properties
Insulation/CoatingType and material of electrode insulation (string). Affects recording isolation
DiameterCore wire diameter (float). Determines tissue impact and signal quality
Insulation diameterTotal diameter including insulation (float). Important for insertion planning

API access

The API allows for programmable access to Consumable types, enabling you to read, edit, and delete consumable type data through the API. Learn more about the consumable types’ fields and data structure on the Consumable types API page.