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Updated: Feb 21, 2026
In vivo Optogenetic Stimulation of the Rodent Central Nervous System
Published on: January 15, 2015
Optical cuff for optogenetic control of the peripheral nervous system
Frédéric Michoud1, Loïc Sottas, Liam E Browne
1Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Neuroprosthetic Technology, Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronics Interface, Institute of Microengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, Centre for Neuroprosthetics, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland. Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America. FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America.
A novel optocuff enables precise optogenetic control of peripheral nerves (PNS) in mice. This device allows for targeted nerve stimulation and supports long-term studies without causing damage.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Optogenetics
Background:
- Peripheral nervous system (PNS) nerves have diverse functions (motor, somatosensory, autonomic).
- Optogenetics allows selective axon activation but requires reliable light delivery interfaces.
- Nerve complexity and anatomy pose challenges for current interface implantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel optical peripheral nerve interface for optogenetic modulation.
- To enable optogenetic control of peripheral nerves in freely behaving animals.
Main Methods:
- Development of a soft optical peripheral nerve interface (optocuff).
- Epineural optical stimulation of genetically targeted sciatic nerve axons.
- Assessment in both anesthetized and awake, freely behaving mice.
- Behavioral experiments and histological analysis to evaluate nerve safety and functionality.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated orderly recruitment of motor units via epineural optical stimulation.
- Successful application in both anesthetized and awake, freely behaving mice.
- Histology confirmed the optocuff does not damage the nerve, indicating suitability for long-term use.
Conclusions:
- The soft optocuff is a viable tool for optogenetic studies of the PNS.
- This interface facilitates straightforward and efficient investigation of peripheral nerve function.
- Supports expanded research into the PNS using optogenetic techniques.
