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Thermoplasmonic Optical Fiber for Localized Neural Stimulation
Hongki Kang1,2,3, Woongki Hong2, Yujin An1
1Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
ACS Nano
|September 5, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed gold nanorod optical fibers for thermoplasmonic neural stimulation without genetic modification. This technology demonstrated localized neural modulation in vitro and shows potential for in vivo applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Materials Science
Background:
- Thermoplasmonic effect offers a non-genetic approach for optical neural stimulation.
- Previous studies utilized near-infrared light and gold nanoparticles for in vitro neuromodulation.
- Versatile engineering is needed to apply thermoplasmonic stimulation across diverse biological models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a gold nanorod-attached optical fiber for localized thermoplasmonic neural stimulation.
- To assess the applicability of this technology across in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models.
- To investigate the potential for non-genetic optical neuromodulation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of gold nanorod-coated optical fibers using a simple coating process.
- In vitro testing of the thermoplasmonic optical fiber for localized neural activity modulation.
- Spatiotemporal temperature change simulation to analyze in vivo applicability.
Main Results:
- Successful development of gold nanorod-attached optical fiber technology.
- Demonstrated localized neural activity modulation in vitro.
- Simulations provided insights into temperature changes for potential in vivo use.
Conclusions:
- The gold nanorod optical fiber enables localized thermoplasmonic neural stimulation.
- This non-genetic approach shows promise for broader applications in neuromodulation.
- Further investigation is warranted for in vivo translation.
