solLED · Solution-phase lighting-emitting devices for optogenetic control of the peripheral nervous system
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2021-08-01 → 2023-07-31
- EU contribution
- €162,806
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Solution-phase lighting-emitting devices for optogenetic control of the peripheral nervous system
Delivering light deep into tissue is of importance to technology in biophotonics, in particular in the context of optogenetics. One of the significant challenges is the development of bio-implantable optical probes that stimulate transgenic neurons expressing light-sensitive opsin protein (channelrhodopsin) located in deep tissues and simultaneously record eletrical, optical, or behavioral responses of neurons. Therefore, there has been a high demand for optical devices that are capable of convenient manufacturing, various form factors, and integration on a bio-implantable architecture. In addition, the mechanical robustness and some extent of flexibility of the device are important factors for bioimplants. This project proposed a radically different device concept, a solution-phase light-emitting device (sol-LED) with a simple structure that can readily assume various forms and shapes and thus is of particular relevance to novel applications in the biomedical context. Specifically, the project addresses the following three objectives: 1) demonstration of sol-LEDs, 2) device optimization and color extension, 3) applications to stimulation of neurons in vitro and in vivo. The project has achieved most of its objectives for the period, with relatively minor deviations (details in the next section). The MSCA project has significantly impacted the fellow’s professional career path both in scientific and non-scientific aspects. Within the project, the fellow acquired excellent experimental training and engaged in interactions with many experts. The experimental tools and resources supplied by the hosting group greatly helped the fellow create an innovative device named sol-LED and consequently become a leader of this research. In addition, the fellow was able to take a step toward biophotonics and obtained great opportunities to collaborate and discuss with people from the biological background. The outcomes achieved during the fellowship led to high-impact publications and presentations, increasing his reputation in the society of chemistry and bioengineering. In addition, the project provided a valuable opportunity for the fellow to collaborate with prominent professionals in various fields, including Prof. Kenneth Shepard on biophysics and neuroengineering at Columbia University, Prof. Karl Deisseroth on neurobiology and optogenetics at Stanford University, and Prof. Klaus Meerholz on physical chemistry and electrochemistry at Cologne University. The scientific publications, joint research, and presentations produced through the fellowship will greatly help him start a professorship in academia.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Delivering light deep into tissue is an important open challenge in biomedical engineering, with particular relevance for optogenetics. One feasible solution is the application of miniaturized bio-implantable light-emitting devices. Such devices should be able to adapt to stimulate cells in tissues with different shapes, sizes, stiffness, and mechanical characteristics. OLED is the most successful light application in current display technologies with many advantages but it cannot adapt to the extreme requirement in three-dimensional structures. The limitations come from the multi-layered device architecture and manufacturing process of vacuum evaporation. Here, we propose a radically different device concept, a solution-phase light-emitting device (sol-LED) with a simple structure that can readily adapt various form factors and thus is of particular relevance to novel applications in the biomedical context. The sol-LED consists of electrodes and a solution that adopts the exciplex host-dye guest system. The fabrication is based on the process under liquid-state such as injection and capillary processes to fill the space in pre-formed devices. The proposed sol-LED will take advantage of existing state-of-the-art OLED materials and established OLED device physics and translate them to the liquid state by dissolving solid-state materials in suitable solvents. Apart from developing this entirely novel type of light source, the use of sol-LEDs as light-source for optogenetics will be developed and tested. Sol-LED with a needle-like shape will be produced by injection of the solution into a hollow microneedle. The resulting devices will be implanted into muscles of the posterior thighs of mice. The motor function will then be mimicked by alternating stimulation of the muscle cells responsible for contraction of the left and right legs. With this, we will test if the device can stimulate cells in vivo with constant intensity and frequency despite strong muscle movements.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- UNIVERSITAT ZU KOLN · KolnCoordinatorGermany
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union