Biohybrid Photonic Platform for Subcellular Stimulation and Readout of In Vitro Neurons

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biophotonics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Precise control of neural activity is essential for understanding neural networks.
• Nanoscale spatial resolution is required for studying cellular interactions.
• Existing methods often lack the required resolution or versatility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a versatile photonic platform for subcellular stimulation and monitoring of in-vitro neurons.
• To achieve precise spatial control over neural activity.
• To enable high-throughput investigations of neural dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of low-loss photonic waveguides on glass substrates using nanoimprint lithography.
• Integration with optical fiber-based waveguide-access and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy.
• Stimulation of neurons expressing Channelrhodopsin-2 via the evanescent field of waveguides.

Main Results:

• Achieved low-loss waveguides with -0.9 ± 0.2 dB cm⁻¹ loss at 489 nm.
• Demonstrated stimulation of neurons within a 57 nm evanescent field penetration depth.
• Platform offers versatility, cost-efficiency, and subcellular resolution.

Conclusions:

• The developed photonic platform provides unprecedented spatial control for neural stimulation and monitoring.
• This technology facilitates tailor-made investigations of neural interaction dynamics.
• The platform's capabilities support high-throughput research in neuroscience.