Wireless Optofluidic Systems for Programmable In Vivo Pharmacology and Optogenetics

[neversickanymore]

Wireless Optofluidic Systems for Programmable In Vivo Pharmacology and Optogenetics

Highlights
•Neural probes with ultrathin, soft microfluidic channels coupled to μ-ILEDs
•Optofluidic probes minimize tissue damage and are suitable for chronic implants
•Wireless in vivo fluid delivery of viruses, peptides, and small-molecule agents
•Combined wireless optogenetics with pharmacology for neural circuit dissection

Summary
In vivo pharmacology and optogenetics hold tremendous promise for dissection of neural circuits, cellular signaling, and manipulating neurophysiological systems in awake, behaving animals. Existing neural interface technologies, such as metal cannulas connected to external drug supplies for pharmacological infusions and tethered fiber optics for optogenetics, are not ideal for minimally invasive, untethered studies on freely behaving animals. Here, we introduce wireless optofluidic neural probes that combine ultrathin, soft microfluidic drug delivery with cellular-scale inorganic light-emitting diode (μ-ILED) arrays. These probes are orders of magnitude smaller than cannulas and allow wireless, programmed spatiotemporal control of fluid delivery and photostimulation. We demonstrate these devices in freely moving animals to modify gene expression, deliver peptide ligands, and provide concurrent photostimulation with antagonist drug delivery to manipulate mesoaccumbens reward-related behavior. The minimally invasive operation of these probes forecasts utility in other organ systems and species, with potential for broad application in biomedical science, engineering, and medicine.

http://www.cell.com/cell/abstract/S0092-8674(15)00828-4

 

[serotonin2A]

Was there a particular aspect of optogenetics that you wanted to discuss? These techniques are useful tools in rodents but it is nowhere near the point where they could be used in patients. The big problem is that previous trials with viral vectors (in the context of gene therapy) do not produce good outcomes. And as far as I am aware no one has found an appropriate viral vector that produces a high level of expression over a long period of time. That being said, the technique does have a huge amount of potential -- primarily in diseases where invasive electrical stimulation is known to be therapeutic.

 

[neversickanymore]

Nothing specific.. just threw it out there.

So any change in genetic expression have been temporary and then it reverts back?

 

[serotonin2A]

With the viral vectors that are currently used the expression is only temporary. HSV seems to last a few weeks, AAV a few months.

 

[5-HT2]

Lentiviruses integrate into the genome so expression with those vectors is longer-lasting and could potentially last for the lifetime of an organism if it isn't epigenetically shut off.