Multimodal Optical Imaging and Modulation through Smart Dura in Non-Human Primates

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Translational Neurotechnology

Background:

• Multimodal neural interfaces offer enhanced spatiotemporal resolution for recording and manipulating neuronal activity.
• Current technologies are often limited to small animal models, hindering translation to larger brains like non-human primates (NHPs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the multimodal applications of the newly developed large-scale neural interface, Smart Dura, in NHPs.
• To showcase Smart Dura's capability in integrating various optical and electrophysiological techniques for comprehensive brain investigation.

Main Methods:

• Developed Smart Dura, a large-scale neural interface for NHPs, providing electrophysiological recording and optical accessibility.
• Combined Smart Dura with multiphoton microscopy (two-photon and three-photon), optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and intrinsic signal optical imaging (ISOI).
• Utilized Smart Dura for optical manipulations including photothrombotic lesioning and optogenetics.

Main Results:

• Achieved fluorescence imaging up to 550 μm depth through the transparent Smart Dura.
• Enabled simultaneous electrophysiology with OCTA and ISOI for assessing vascular and neural dynamics.
• Demonstrated induction of ischemic stroke and optogenetic neuromodulation over a 20 mm diameter area.

Conclusions:

• Smart Dura facilitates comprehensive investigations of brain dynamics in NHPs.
• This multimodal interface significantly advances translational neurotechnology towards human applications.