CMOS-based bio-image sensor spatially resolves neural activity-dependent proton dynamics in the living brain

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Emerging evidence suggests protons act as neurotransmitters in cultured neurons.
• Understanding brain proton dynamics requires tools with high spatial-temporal resolution and wide-area coverage.
• Current methods are insufficient for in vivo measurement of proton activity in specific brain regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel image sensor for in vivo proton measurement in the brain.
• To investigate regional and neural activity-dependent proton dynamics with high precision.
• To demonstrate the sensor's capability in detecting localized pH changes during neural stimulation.

Main Methods:

• Development of a CMOS-based image sensor with high spatial and temporal resolution.
• In vivo application of the sensor to measure proton changes in the visual cortex.
• Utilizing visual stimulation to induce spatially differential neural activity and observe corresponding proton dynamics.

Main Results:

• The developed biosensor successfully detected distinct patterns of proton changes in the visual cortex.
• Demonstrated micrometer and millisecond scale detection of proton changes across a wide area.
• Confirmed the sensor's ability to capture pH variations linked to specific biological events.

Conclusions:

• A CMOS-based proton image sensor offers high spatial and temporal precision for biological measurements.
• The sensor can detect in vivo pH changes associated with neural activity.
• This technology holds significant potential for future biological and neuroscience research.