Low cost, fully implantable wireless optoeletronic devices for optogenetics research

Project SummaryAbstractThe methods of optogenetics enable light inducedarea confined stimulation or inhibition of genetically targeted neuronsthereby bypassing key disadvantages of electrical approachesAs a resultoptogenetics is now widely viewed as an essential tool in neuroscience researchThe adoption of these methods by the community is rapidly increasingin spite of the required use of an expensiveinconvenient collection of fiber optic cablingferrules fixtures and external light sources to perform the experimentsThese systems restrict natural behaviors in animals and frustrates entire classes of experiments such as those that involve social interactions and complex three dimensional environmentsThe proposed program focuses on the development of ultraminiaturizedfully implantable wireless systems capable of delivering light to targeted regions the brainthe spinal cord and the peripheral nerves for optogenetics researchHigh volumelow cost manufacturing techniques that align with those in widespread use in the flexible printed circuit board industry will allow these lightweight components to be produced in mass quantities and price points that will allow broad adoptioneven by resource constrained labsThe versatile capabilities of these systems and their ease of use will significantly increase the access of optogenetics techniques to broad segments of the neuroscience communityInitial proof of concept devices offer unique advantages over any other research or commercial alternativeincluding mm scale dimensionsx smallermg weightsx lightersub mm thicknessesx thinnermechanically flexible architecturesproven capabilities in chronically stable operationbroad compatibility with single or multiple animals in simple or complex environmentsand straightforwardrobust wireless interfacesThe specific aims of the proposed work are to developdesigns that are compatible with low costhigh volume manufacturingadvanced versions with capabilities for multi wavelengthmultichannel operation with expanded wireless coverage and applicability to the brainspinal cord and peripheral nerves andnew systems that perform not only light delivery but also photodetectionfor operation in wireless photometry and closed feedback optogenetic stimulation inhibition