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Updated: Oct 2, 2025
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Optrode Array for Simultaneous Optogenetic Modulation and Electrical Neural Recording
Published on: September 1, 2022
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An optoelectronic neural interface approach for precise superposition of optical and electrical stimulation in
Max Eickenscheidt1, Thoralf Herrmann2, Marius Weisshap1
1Laboratory for Biomedical Microtechnology, Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|March 1, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a novel optoelectronic device for simultaneous optical and electrical nerve cell stimulation. This technology enables precise cell activation, advancing neuroscience research and potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- Optogenetics offers cell-type specific neural activation, but combining it with electrical stimulation is crucial for detailed investigation.
- Current methods lack integrated devices for simultaneous optical and electrical stimulation at the same neural locus.
- Developing such a device can enhance the understanding of neural circuit function and inform therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate a miniaturized optoelectronic device for simultaneous optical and electrical stimulation of nerve cells.
- To assess the performance of indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes for this application.
- To demonstrate the device's functionality in an ex vivo retinal preparation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a device integrating light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and ITO electrodes on a polyimide substrate.
- Characterization of optical transparency of the ITO-polyimide stack.
- Electrochemical characterization of ITO electrodes using electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
- In vitro testing with genetically modified retinal tissue and simultaneous recording using microelectrode arrays (MEA).
Main Results:
- The fabricated device allows for optical and electrical stimulation at the same location.
- ITO electrodes demonstrated sufficient optical transparency and comparable electrochemical performance to platinum.
- Simultaneous stimulation and recording of action potentials in retinal ganglion cells confirmed device functionality.
- The results indicate similar modes of action for both stimulation modalities.
Conclusions:
- The developed optoelectronic device successfully integrates optical and electrical stimulation capabilities.
- This technology provides a valuable tool for detailed investigation of neural circuits.
- Further development is required for chronic implantation in animal or human studies.
