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bioRxiv · 10.1101/459933

Optoacoustic brains stimulation at submillimeter spatial precision

Jiang, Y.·Lee, H. J.·Lan, L.·Tseng, H.-a.·Yang, C.·Man, H.-Y.·Han, X.·Cheng, J.-X.
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Abstract

Low-intensity ultrasound is an emerging modality for neuromodulation. Yet, piezo-based transducers offer poor spatial confinement of excitation volume, often bigger than a few millimeters in diameter. In addition, the bulky size limits their implementation in a wearable setting and prevents integration with other experimental modalities. Here, we report spatially confined optoacoustic neural stimulation through a novel miniaturized Fiber-Optoacoustic Converter (FOC). The FOC has a diameter of 600 m and generates omnidirectional ultrasound wave locally at the fiber tip through the optoacoustic effect. We show that the optoacoustic wave can directly activate individual cultured neurons and generate intracellular Ca2+ transients. The FOC activates neurons within a radius of 500 m around the fiber tip, delivering superior spatial resolution over conventional piezo-based low-frequency transducers. Combining FOC with electrophysiology, direct and spatially confined neural stimulation of mouse brain is achieved in vivo.

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Jiang, Y., Lee, H. J., Lan, L., Tseng, H.-a., Yang, C., Man, H.-Y., Han, X., Cheng, J.-X.. 2018-11-02. Optoacoustic brains stimulation at submillimeter spatial precision. https://doi.org/10.1101/459933

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