Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
Adv Sci (Weinh). 2024 Aug;11(32):e2403205. doi: 10.1002/advs.202403205. Epub 2024 Jun 26.
Neuromodulation is a powerful tool for fundamental studies in neuroscience and potential treatments of neurological disorders. Both photoacoustic (PA) and photothermal (PT) effects are harnessed for non-genetic high-precision neural stimulation. Using a fiber-based device excitable by a nanosecond pulsed laser and a continuous wave laser for PA and PT stimulation, respectively, PA and PT neuromodulation is systematically investigated at the single neuron level. These results show that to achieve the same level of neuron activation recorded by Ca imaging, the laser energy needed for PA stimulation is 1/40 of that needed for PT stimulation. The threshold energy for PA stimulation is found to be further reduced in neurons overexpressing mechano-sensitive channels, indicating direct involvement of mechano-sensitive channels in PA stimulation. Electrophysiology study of single neurons upon PA and PT stimulation is performed by patch clamp recordings. Electrophysiological features induced by PA are distinct from those by PT, confirming that PA and PT stimulation operate through different mechanisms. These insights offer a foundation for the rational design of more efficient and safer non-genetic neural modulation approaches.
神经调节是神经科学基础研究和潜在神经疾病治疗的有力工具。光声（PA）和光热（PT）效应都被用于非遗传高精度神经刺激。利用可通过纳秒脉冲激光和连续波激光分别激发的纤维基装置进行 PA 和 PT 刺激，在单细胞水平上系统地研究了 PA 和 PT 神经调节。结果表明，为了达到 Ca 成像记录的相同神经元激活水平，PA 刺激所需的激光能量是 PT 刺激的 1/40。在过表达机械敏感通道的神经元中，PA 刺激的阈值能量进一步降低，表明机械敏感通道直接参与了 PA 刺激。通过膜片钳记录对 PA 和 PT 刺激的单个神经元进行了电生理研究。PA 诱导的电生理特征与 PT 诱导的特征明显不同，证实 PA 和 PT 刺激通过不同的机制起作用。这些见解为设计更高效、更安全的非遗传神经调节方法提供了基础。
