Implantation-assistance-free flexible waveguide probe for optogenetic stimulation

作者：Zequn Chen, Xiaojing Li, Yiheng Tang, Zhanchao Huang, Ji Huang, Haoran Liu, Yang Weng, Yue Zhu, Jingyang Zhao, Renjie Tang, Zhu Liu, Kangjian Bao, Jialing Jian, Yuting Ye, Yiting Yun, Li‐Chun Wang, Chengchen Guo, Hongtao Lin, Hanqing Jiang, Ke Si, Wei Gong, Lan Li · 发表于：Cell Reports Physical Science · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1016/j.xcrp.2024.102217 · 被引用次数：9 · 研究领域：Photoreceptor and optogenetics research、Neuroscience and Neural Engineering、Molecular Communication and Nanonetworks

The optogenetic probe has proven to be a valuable tool in neuroscience, owing to its specific stimulus properties. Mechanically flexible optogenetic probes are crucial for chronic and deep brain stimulation, minimizing tissue damage, and improving long-term stability and reliability. However, the current implantation of flexible polymer probes often requires the use of additional auxiliary tools, which complicate the surgical process and may cause severe inflammatory responses. In this paper, we propose a flexible polymer waveguide optogenetic probe designed to be inserted directly and precisely into the target brain area without additional assistance through geometric and mechanical optimization of the probe. It also exhibits superior long-term performance in minimizing the inflammatory response after implantation. We eventually succeed in modulating mouse locomotor speed by brain secondary motor cortex (M2) stimulation. This study provides a reference for the future development of flexible waveguide optogenetic probes for reliable and long-term implantation.