Miniaturized optogenetic neural implants: a review

Abstract

Optogenetics is an exciting new technology that allows targetable fast control and readout of specific neural populations in complex brain circuits. With the rapid development of light-sensitive microbial opsins, substantial gains in understanding the causal relationships between neural activity and behavior in both healthy and diseased brains have been achieved during the last decade. However, the intricate and complex interactions between different neural populations in mammalian brains require novel, implantable, neural interfaces that are capable of manipulating and probing targeted neurons at multiple sites and with high spatiotemporal resolution. Advanced microtechnology has offered the highest potential to meet these demands of optogenetic applications. In this paper, we review a variety of miniaturized optogenetic neural implants developed in recent years, based on different light sources, including lasers, laser diodes, and light-emitting diodes. We then summarize the specifications of these microimplants and their related microfabrication approaches and discuss the major challenges of current techniques and the vision for the future of the field.

Ecological validity of social interaction tests in rats and mice

“…Another option is to use automatic tools (like Eco‐HAB), which allow for testing of whole groups of animals in their home environment. Both options do not require radical paradigm shifts and are ready to combine with many existing brain manipulation techniques, like DREADDs (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) or wireless optogenetics . The crucial point is to decide what stimuli or environments are more suitable in a species‐specific manner, instead of using a single paradigm for studying various organisms.…”

“…Importantly, due to recent technological advancements field studies are not necessarily as labor‐intensive as they used to be. As already mentioned, tracking can be to large extent automatized and even such techniques as single unit‐recordings, calcium imaging or optogenetics are already used in wireless fashion. However, more effort is still needed to optimize those technologies for the field application through improving both their robustness and availability.…”

Microfabricated Probes for Studying Brain Chemistry: A Review

“…Microfabrication methods present a means to miniaturize the functions of larger probe designs while directly integrating optical elements into a single device. Reviews on optogenetics techniques have been published recently which outline the progress made in this field . In this section, we select the particular work that may be beneficial to microfabricated neurochemical probes.…”

Display meets biology: A vision for ubiquitous healthcare platforms

“…Optogenetics is another area of growing interest, where light‐stimulated cell behavior (typically neurons) is exploited for various purposes . For the multidisciplinary field, initial efforts have focused on the implementation and biological understanding.…”

“…51 Optogenetics is another area of growing interest, where light-stimulated cell behavior (typically neurons) is exploited for various purposes. [53][54][55] For the multidisciplinary field, initial efforts have focused on the implementation and biological understanding. Recently, people started to address the need for diversification and optimization of light sources, especially for in vivo systems where very strict materials, physical, and physiological constraints arise.…”