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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2020.10.21.348870

Enhanced ultrasound neuromodulation in vitro using nanobubble actuators

Hou, X.·Qiu, Z.·Kala, S.·Guo, J.·Zhu, T.·Wong, K. F.·Zhu, J.·Xian, Q.·Yang, M.·Sun, L.
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Abstract

Ultrasound neuromodulation is a promising new method to manipulate brain activity noninvasively. Here, we detail a neurostimulation scheme using gas-filled nanostructures, gas vesicles (GVs), as actuators for improving the efficacy and precision of ultrasound stimuli. Sonicated primary neurons displayed dose-dependent, repeatable Ca2+ responses, closely synced to stimuli, and increased nuclear expression of the activation marker c-Fos only in the presence of GVs but not without. We identified mechanosensitive ion channels as important mediators of this effect, and neurons heterologously expressing the mechanosensitive MscL-G22S channel showed greater activation at lower acoustic pressure. This treatment scheme was also found not to induce significant cytotoxicity, apoptosis or membrane poration in treated cells. Altogether, we demonstrate a simple and effective method to achieve enhanced and more selective ultrasound neurostimulation. Graphical abstract O_FIG_DISPLAY_L [Figure 1] M_FIG_DISPLAY C_FIG_DISPLAY

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Hou, X., Qiu, Z., Kala, S., Guo, J., Zhu, T., Wong, K. F., Zhu, J., Xian, Q., Yang, M., Sun, L.. 2020-10-22. Enhanced ultrasound neuromodulation in vitro using nanobubble actuators. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.10.21.348870

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