Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2025
09:31
Gold Nanorod-assisted Optical Stimulation of Neuronal Cells
Published on: April 27, 2015
9.0K
Instant noninvasive near-infrared deep brain stimulation using optoelectronic nanoparticles without genetic
Shuang Jin1, Jiazhi Li1, Luyue Jiang1
12020 X-Lab, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China.
Science Advances
|June 13, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a new neuromodulation technique using hybrid upconversion and photovoltaic (HUP) nanoparticles for noninvasive deep brain stimulation. This method uses near-infrared light to activate neurons without genetic modification, enabling precise control and investigation of neural circuits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Noninvasive neuromodulation of deep brain structures is challenging.
- Optogenetics is limited by shallow light penetration and requires genetic modification.
- A need exists for methods enabling deep, noninvasive, and immediate neural control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel neuromodulation technique using hybrid upconversion and photovoltaic (HUP) nanoparticles.
- To demonstrate NIR-light-activated neuronal stimulation without genetic manipulation.
- To explore the potential of HUP nanoparticles for deep brain modulation in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Development of hybrid upconversion and photovoltaic (HUP) nanoparticles.
- In vitro patch-clamp electrophysiology to confirm neuronal activation.
- In vivo studies in wild-type mice involving nanoparticle injection and near-infrared (NIR) light stimulation.
- Assessment of neuronal activity modulation, seizure suppression, and neurotransmitter release.
Main Results:
- HUP nanoparticles successfully converted NIR light into localized electrical stimuli.
- Neuronal activation was confirmed in vitro upon HUP application.
- In vivo, remote neuromodulation was achieved in the medial septum and ventral tegmental area.
- The technique effectively modulated neuronal activity, suppressed seizures, and triggered dopamine release.
Conclusions:
- The HUP nanoparticle system provides a minimally invasive, non-genetic approach for deep brain neuromodulation.
- This method enables immediate and precise control of neural circuits using deeply penetrating NIR light.
- Customizable nanoparticle engineering offers versatility for applications across diverse brain regions and research questions.
