Potential of Photoelectric Stimulation with Ultrasmall Carbon Electrode on Neural Tissue - New Directions in Neurostimulation Technology Development
At a Glance
Section titled âAt a Glanceâ| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2024-07-17 |
| Journal | Advanced Functional Materials |
| Authors | Keying Chen, Bingchen Wu, Daniela Krahe, Alberto L. Vazquez, James R. Siegenthaler |
| Institutions | McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Fraunhofer USA |
| Citations | 7 |
Abstract
Section titled âAbstractâAbstract Neuromodulation technologies have gained considerable attention for their clinical potential in treating neurological disorders and advancing cognition research. However, traditional methods like electrical stimulation and optogenetics face technical and biological challenges that limit their therapeutic and research applications. A promising alternative, photoelectric neurostimulation, uses nearâinfrared light to generate electrical pulses and thus enables stimulation of neuronal activity without genetic alterations. This study explores various design strategies to enhance photoelectric stimulation with minimally invasive, ultrasmall, untethered carbon electrodes. Employing a multiphoton laser as the nearâinfrared (NIR) light source, benchtop experiments are conducted using a threeâelectrode setup and chronopotentiometry to record photoâstimulated voltage. In vivo evaluations utilize Thy1âGCaMP6s mice with acutely implanted ultrasmall carbon electrodes. Results highlighted the beneficial effects of high dutyâcycle laser scanning and photovoltaic polymer interfaces on the photoâstimulated voltages by the implanted electrode. Additionally, the promising potential of carbonâbased diamond electrodes are demonstrated for photoelectric stimulation and the application of photoelectric stimulation in precise chemical delivery by loading mesoporous silica nanoparticles (SNPs) coâdeposited with polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT). Together, these findings on photoelectric stimulation utilizing ultrasmall carbon electrodes underscore its immense potential for advancing the next generation of neurostimulation technology.