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Updated: May 5, 2026
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Three-dimensional Optical-resolution Photoacoustic Microscopy
Published on: May 3, 2011
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A flexible photoacoustic retinal prosthesis.
Audrey Leong1, Yueming Li2, Thijs R Ruikes1
1Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de la Vision, F-75012 Paris, France.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|September 16, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a novel photoacoustic retinal stimulation technology using a flexible film to restore vision in blindness. This approach precisely targets retinal cells, showing promising results for visual restoration in preclinical models.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Retinal degenerative diseases cause irreversible photoreceptor loss and blindness.
- Current treatments for retinal degeneration are limited, necessitating novel approaches for vision restoration.
- Retinal prostheses aim to restore vision by stimulating remaining retinal neurons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel photoacoustic retinal stimulation technology for visual restoration.
- To assess the precision and efficacy of photoacoustic stimulation in modulating retinal activity.
- To investigate the in vivo neural modulation and biosafety of the photoacoustic device.
Main Methods:
- A polydimethylsiloxane and carbon-based flexible film was designed to convert near-infrared laser pulses into acoustic fields.
- Photoacoustic stimulation was performed on ex vivo wild-type and degenerated retinae to modulate retinal ganglion cell activity.
- In vivo experiments involved implanting the film in the rat subretinal space and measuring neural modulation using functional ultrasound imaging.
- Biosafety was assessed using optical coherence tomography and thermal measurements.
Main Results:
- The photoacoustic film achieved a lateral resolution of 56 μm for high-precision acoustic stimulation.
- Robust and localized modulation of retinal ganglion cell activity was observed in both wild-type and degenerated ex vivo retinae.
- In vivo stimulation successfully generated neural modulation along the visual pathway to the superior colliculus.
- The implanted film demonstrated short-term biosafety with minimal local thermal increase (<1 °C).
Conclusions:
- Photoacoustic retinal stimulation is a promising technology for precise neural modulation in the retina.
- This technology has the potential for high-acuity visual restoration in blind patients.
- The developed device shows good biosafety and efficacy in preclinical models, paving the way for future clinical applications.
