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Stereotaxic Viral Injection and Gradient-Index Lens Implantation for Deep Brain In Vivo Calcium Imaging
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Large field-of-view volumetric deep brain imaging through gradient-index lenses
Zongyue Cheng1,2, Yuting Li1,2, Jianian Lin1,2
1School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
Nature Communications
|October 28, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a new objective lens to correct aberrations in gradient-index (GRIN) lenses, significantly improving deep brain optical imaging quality and field-of-view for neuroscience research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Optical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Genetically encoded fluorescent indicators have revolutionized neuroscience, enabling sensitive optical neural recording.
- Mammalian brain's light scattering limits optical measurement depth; gradient-index (GRIN) lenses are used for deep brain imaging.
- GRIN lenses suffer from optical aberrations, impacting image quality and imaging throughput.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an accessible solution to enhance deep brain optical imaging quality and throughput.
- To overcome the limitations of optical aberrations in GRIN lenses for neuroscience applications.
- To enable high-throughput, large field-of-view (FOV) volumetric functional imaging in deep brain regions.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel correction objective lens designed to counteract GRIN lens aberrations.
- Integration of the correction objective with GRIN lenses for in vivo imaging.
- Demonstration of high-throughput 3D volumetric calcium imaging in deep brain regions.
Main Results:
- Achieved a ~400% larger field-of-view (FOV) compared to conventional GRIN lens imaging.
- Successfully performed in vivo large-FOV 3D volumetric calcium imaging.
- Recorded activity from over 1000 neurons in deep brain regions using a 0.5 mm diameter GRIN lens.
Conclusions:
- The developed correction objective lens effectively corrects GRIN lens aberrations, significantly improving imaging performance.
- This method enables high-throughput volumetric functional imaging with an expanded FOV, overcoming previous depth limitations.
- The simplicity and robust performance offer broad applicability for advancing neuroscience research through improved deep brain imaging.
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