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Multiplexed Optogenetic Stimulation of Neurons with Spectrum‐Selective Upconversion Nanoparticles
Author(s) -
Lin Xudong,
Wang Ying,
Chen Xian,
Yang Runhuai,
Wang Zixun,
Feng Jingyu,
Wang Haitao,
Lai King W. C.,
He Jufang,
Wang Feng,
Shi Peng
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
advanced healthcare materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.288
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 2192-2659
pISSN - 2192-2640
DOI - 10.1002/adhm.201700446
Subject(s) - optogenetics , photon upconversion , channelrhodopsin , materials science , nanotechnology , optoelectronics , neuroscience , doping , biology
Optical modulation of nervous system becomes increasingly popular as the wide adoption of optogenetics. For these applications, upconversion materials hold great promise as novel photonic elements. This study describes an upconversion based strategy for combinatorial neural stimulation both in vitro and in vivo by using spectrum‐selective upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). NaYF 4 based UCNPs are used to absorb near‐infrared (NIR) energy and to emit visible light for stimulating neurons expressing different channelrhodopsin (ChR) proteins. The emission spectrum of the UCNPs is selectively tuned by different doping strategy (Tm 3+ or Er 3+ ) to match the responsive wavelength of ChR2 or C1V1. When the UCNPs are packaged into a glass microoptrode, and placed close to or in direct contact with neurons expressing ChR2 or C1V1, the cells can be reliably activated by NIR illumination at single cell level as well as network level, which is characterized by patch‐clamping and multielectrode‐array recording in culture primary neurons. Furthermore, the UCNP‐based optrode is implanted into the brain of live rodents to achieve all‐optical remote activation of brain tissues in mammalian animals. It is believed that this proof‐of‐concept study opens up completely new applications of upconversion materials for regulating physiological functions, especially in neuroscience research.