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In vivo Optogenetic Stimulation of the Rodent Central Nervous System
Published on: January 15, 2015
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Multiplexed Optogenetic Stimulation of Neurons with Spectrum-Selective Upconversion Nanoparticles
Xudong Lin1,2, Ying Wang1, Xian Chen3
1Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|August 11, 2017
Summary
Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) enable precise optical control of neural activity using near-infrared light. This technology allows for targeted stimulation of specific neurons, advancing optogenetics research in vitro and in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Materials Science
- Biophotonics
Background:
- Optogenetics relies on light to control genetically modified neurons.
- Upconversion materials can convert near-infrared light to visible light, useful for optical stimulation.
- Developing spectrum-selective upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) is key for advanced neural modulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a spectrum-selective upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) strategy for combinatorial neural stimulation.
- To enable precise optical control of neurons expressing different channelrhodopsins (ChRs) using near-infrared (NIR) light.
- To validate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of UCNP-based neural stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized NaYF4-based UCNPs doped with Tm3+ or Er3+ to tune emission spectra.
- Packaged UCNPs into glass microprobes for targeted neural interfacing.
- Utilized patch-clamp and multielectrode-array recordings to assess neural activation.
- Performed in vivo experiments in live rodents for brain tissue stimulation.
Main Results:
- Achieved spectrum-selective visible light emission from UCNPs by adjusting doping.
- Demonstrated reliable activation of neurons expressing ChR2 or C1V1 via NIR illumination.
- Confirmed single-cell and network-level neural activation in cultured neurons.
- Successfully achieved all-optical remote activation of brain tissue in rodents.
Conclusions:
- Spectrum-selective UCNPs offer a promising platform for advanced optogenetic applications.
- UCNP-based microprobes enable precise, NIR-driven neural stimulation in vitro and in vivo.
- This technology opens new avenues for regulating physiological functions, particularly in neuroscience.
