Real-Time Feedback Strategically Regulates Optoelectronics for Customized Optogenetic Spinal Cord Regeneration

Previous optogenetic bioelectronic systems have enabled a highly selective way of modulating neural populations by delivering a certain wavelength of light to engage with exogenously expressed light-sensitive proteins, which lay the foundation of therapeutic interventions of neural circuits. However, real-time biofeedback and strategic modulation are crucial for adjusting customized clinical treatment adjustment. To achieve this purpose, we integrated illumination, temperature, and electromyographic (EMG) sensing elements into the optogenetic bioelectronic system to avoid overexposure caused by localized overheating and to provide functional recovery evaluation during neural regeneration, which guides the in situ adjustment of the intensity, frequency, and duration of illumination parameters controlled by a wireless connected programmable external control board. In this study, both in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to examine the optical, thermal, and electrical characteristics of our bioelectronic system. On this basis, we demonstrated a series of standardized EMG results to evaluate the recovery condition and modify the illumination parameters of each test rat. Combining temperature monitoring feedback and EMG signaling feedback, our optogenetic bioelectronic system enables strategic optogenetic spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment through real-time illumination modulation to achieve customized spinal cord injury treatment.