| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立陽明大學 === 生醫光電工程研究所 === 98 === Optogenetics is an emerging field combining optical and genetic techniques. Utilizing lentivirus vectors to transfect light-sensitive ion channels and pumps (ChR2 and NpHR) into mammals and other animals, it is now possible to turn genetically specific neurons on and off with millisecond time precision. However, ChR2 and NpHR proteins need adequate light power at appropriate wavelengths to activate. It remains unknown how optogenetic stimulation compares with traditional electrical stimulation. Accordingly we have developed an LED stimulating-recording chronic implantable multielectrode array and associated control hardware and software.
In summary, we have achieved lentivirus production, infection in 293T cells and electrophysiological testing of ChR2 and NpHR in vitro. Also, we have confirmed that our device has the appropriate power and functionality to permit excitation or inhibition using two different light wavelengths of the LED array. We expect that the LED array will allow deeper stimulation compared to surface illumination, and its basic design could be applied towards future development in neuromuscular rehabilitation and cortical prosthetics. The optogenetic approach offers new opportunities for minimally-invasive temporal- and cell-specific neuronal stimulation and is a promising technology for neural rehabilitation and research.
Key Words: Optogenetics, neuronal activity, neurophysiology, brain machine interface.
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