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Ultralight infrared-controlled wireless neuromodulation systems for freely behaving mice
Hyeonggyeong Cha1, Yeonghwa Hong1, Giheon Kim2
1School of Electronics Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
Microsystems & Nanoengineering
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed an ultra-lightweight wireless neuromodulation system for animal studies. This infrared-controlled device enables natural behavior during transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) experiments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Animal Models
Background:
- Neuromodulation, including tDCS and DBS, shows therapeutic potential for neurological disorders.
- Animal models are crucial for understanding neuromodulation mechanisms.
- Existing systems are often heavy, restrictive, and introduce confounding factors in behavioral studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an ultra-lightweight, wireless neuromodulation system for freely behaving animals.
- To enable independent control of tDCS and DBS using infrared light.
- To facilitate unconstrained behavioral and mechanistic studies of neuromodulation.
Main Methods:
- Designed and constructed an ultra-lightweight wireless system controlled by infrared (IR) light.
- Integrated wavelength-selective phototransistors for independent tDCS and DBS control.
- Validated system performance through behavioral testing in mice, including open-field tests and M2 stimulation.
Main Results:
- The tDCS device weighs <1.5g; the DBS device weighs <0.5g.
- IR illumination showed uniform distribution and high thermal stability without affecting the experimental environment.
- Neither device attachment nor IR illumination impacted spontaneous locomotor activity in mice.
- tDCS and DBS effectively induced circling behavior in mice, demonstrating modulation of motor circuits.
Conclusions:
- The proposed wireless neuromodulation systems allow reliable and selective stimulation without restricting natural animal behavior.
- This technology provides a versatile platform for advanced behavioral and mechanistic research in neuromodulation.
- The system overcomes limitations of conventional wired or complex wireless neuromodulation devices.
