Principles and applications of sono-optogenetics

Focused Ultrasound‐Responsive Nanocomposite with Near‐Infrared II Mechanoluminescence for Spatiotemporally Selective Immune Activation in Lymph Nodes

“…ZGGO@MSN is excited by light to generate charge carriers, which are captured by trap states in the host matrix. Mechanical stress is applied to the host matrix through focused ultrasound stimulation to generate a piezoelectric field locally [39,40] . The carriers captured in the trap are de‐trapped to the conduction band under this local piezoelectric field, followed by subsequently returning to the ground state accompanied by light emission resulting from the 2 E→ 4 A 2 and 4 T 2 → 4 A 2 transitions of Cr 3+ .…”

Nanotransducer-Enabled Deep-Brain Neuromodulation with NIR-II Light

“…In addition, another non-invasive optogenetics approach, sono-optogenetics, is enabled by circulation-delivered nanoscopic light sources (Figure e). ,− Specifically, Wu et al designed and synthesized ZnS-based mechano­luminescent nanoparticles (MLNPs) that can be activated by deep-penetrating focused ultrasound (FUS) . Upon systemic delivery, these MNLPs flow through the entire body, but only emit 470 nm light transiently at the ultrasound focus in the brain.…”

Ultrasound-Induced Cascade Amplification in a Mechanoluminescent Nanotransducer for Enhanced Sono-Optogenetic Deep Brain Stimulation

“…Utilizing nanoparticles converting ultrasound energy to light has become an increasingly promising technology for combining noninvasive and clinically safe ultrasound technology with an optogenetic toolbox for neuromodulation. − The initial application of sono-optogenetics, which involved rechargeable inorganic mechanoluminescent colloidal solutions for ultrasound-to-light conversion, successfully demonstrated ChR2-expressing neuron activation in the motor cortex of mice but was constrained by increased engineering complexity. − We have recently designed a simpler and more biocompatible liposomal nanolight source triggered by FUS . However, the current sono-mechanoluminescent systems exhibit limited photon yields, which restricts their ability to activate neurons only in shallow brain regions.…”

“…However, the current sono-mechanoluminescent systems exhibit limited photon yields, which restricts their ability to activate neurons only in shallow brain regions. The practical application of mechanoluminescent materials in optogenetics necessitates the ability to temporally control light emission and achieve high photon yields in the solution . While significant progress has been made in the field of mechanoluminescence, the current reported materials predominantly emit light in bulk form through piezoelectric effects and cycloreversions .…”