Optoacoustic brain stimulation at submillimeter spatial precision

Ying Jiang, Hyeon Jeong Lee, Lu Lan, Hua-an Tseng, Chen Yang, Heng-Ye Man, Xue Han and Ji-Xin Cheng ()
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Ying Jiang: Boston University
Hyeon Jeong Lee: Boston University
Lu Lan: Boston University
Hua-an Tseng: Boston University
Chen Yang: Boston University
Heng-Ye Man: Boston University
Xue Han: Boston University
Ji-Xin Cheng: Boston University

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Low-intensity ultrasound is an emerging modality for neuromodulation. Yet, transcranial neuromodulation using low-frequency piezo-based transducers offers 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 miniaturized Fiber-Optoacoustic Converter (FOC). The FOC has a diameter of 600 μm and generates omnidirectional ultrasound wave locally at the fiber tip through the optoacoustic effect. We show that the acoustic wave generated by FOC can directly activate individual cultured neurons and generate intracellular Ca2+ transients. The FOC activates neurons within a radius of 500 μm around the fiber tip, delivering superior spatial resolution over conventional piezo-based low-frequency transducers. Finally, we demonstrate direct and spatially confined neural stimulation of mouse brain and modulation of motor activity in vivo.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14706-1

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