Implantable Optrode Array for Optogenetic Modulation and Electrical Neural Recording

During the last decade, optogenetics has become an essential tool for neuroscience research due to its unrivaled feature of cell-type-specific neuromodulation. There have been several technological advances in light delivery devices. Among them, the combination of optogenetics and electrophysiology provides an opportunity for facilitating optogenetic approaches. In this study, a novel design of an optrode array was proposed for realizing optical modulation and electrophysiological recording. A 4 x 4 optrode array and five-channel recording electrodes were assembled as a disposable part, while a reusable part comprised an LED (light-emitting diode) source and a power line. After the characterization of the intensity of the light delivered at the fiber tips, in vivo animal experiment was performed with transgenic mice expressing channelrhodopsin, showing the effectiveness of optical activation and neural recording.

Automated summary

Optogenetics has become crucial in neuroscience research due to its cell-type-specific neuromodulation feature. Technological advances in light delivery devices have allowed for the combination of optogenetics and electrophysiology, as demonstrated by a novel optrode array design for optical modulation and electrophysiological recording. In vivo experiments with transgenic mice expressing channelrhodopsin have confirmed the effectiveness of optical activation and neural recording.