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A Method for High Fidelity Optogenetic Control of Individual Pyramidal Neurons In vivo
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Flexible Optogenetic Transducer Device for Remote Neuron Modulation Using Highly Upconversion-Efficient Dendrite-Like
Chao-Yi Chu1, Pu-Wei Wu1, Jung-Chih Chen2,3,4
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan, ROC.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|December 31, 2021
Summary
A novel flexible optogenetic device using gold nanostructures and nanoparticles enables remote, low-power near-infrared stimulation of peripheral nerves. This technology shows promise for in vivo optogenetic engineering and neural modulation in freely moving animals.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Optogenetics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Optogenetic devices for freely moving animals are crucial.
- Flexible devices are needed for peripheral nerve stimulation due to continuous movement.
- Existing methods may have limitations in efficiency or thermal effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a remote, implantable optogenetic transducer for peripheral nerve stimulation.
- To enhance upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) efficiency using photonic crystal and plasmonic effects.
- To demonstrate the device's flexibility and efficacy in modulating neural activity.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a gold inverse opaline skeleton with dendrite-like gold nanostructures (D-GIOF).
- Chemical grafting of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) onto the D-GIOF structure.
- Testing of UCNP conversion efficiency, thermal effects, and emission power retention under near-infrared (NIR) light.
- In vivo stimulation of mouse sciatic nerve activity.
Main Results:
- The D-GIOF-based transducer achieved high UCNP conversion efficiency with minimal thermal effect under low-intensity 980 nm NIR light.
- The device maintained ~100% emission power retention under various bending states.
- Successful stimulation of neuronal activity in the mouse sciatic nerve was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- The developed D-GIOF-based transducer is a promising implantable device for remote NIR optogenetic stimulation of peripheral nerves.
- The device's flexibility and high efficiency support its potential for in vivo applications in optogenetic engineering.
- This study provides proof of concept for modulating neural activity in peripheral regions using this novel technology.
