Open AccessOptical control of neuronal activities with photoswitchable nanovesicles
Author(s) -
Hejian Xiong,
Kevin Alberto,
Jonghae Youn,
Jaume Taura,
Johannes Morstein,
Xiuying Li,
Yan Wang,
Dirk Trauner,
Paul A. Slesinger,
Steven O. Nielsen,
Zhenpeng Qin
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
nano research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.536
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1998-0124
pISSN - 1998-0000
DOI - 10.1007/s12274-022-4853-x
Subject(s) - azobenzene , molecular switch , biophysics , chemistry , agonist , isomerization , neuromodulation , receptor , molecule , biochemistry , biology , organic chemistry , catalysis
Precise modulation of neuronal activity by neuroactive molecules is essential for understanding brain circuits and behavior. However, tools for highly controllable molecular release are lacking. Here, we developed a photoswitchable nanovesicle with azobenzene-containing phosphatidylcholine (azo-PC), coined 'azosome', for neuromodulation. Irradiation with 365 nm light triggers the trans-to-cis isomerization of azo-PC, resulting in a disordered lipid bilayer with decreased thickness and cargo release. Irradiation with 455 nm light induces reverse isomerization and switches the release off. Real-time fluorescence imaging shows controllable and repeatable cargo release within seconds (< 3 s). Importantly, we demonstrate that SKF-81297, a dopamine D1-receptor agonist, can be repeatedly released from the azosome to activate cultures of primary striatal neurons. Azosome shows promise for precise optical control over the molecular release and can be a valuable tool for molecular neuroscience studies.