(Left) Concept image of the multifunctional, multilayered design of the micro-injectable LED opto-device (Right) An image of the LED device shown to scale
Professor John A. Rodgers has previously taught us what the future has in store by way of flexible, stampable microelectronics that adhere to the surface of human skin. As revolutionary as those devices can be - providing critical health-related information from real-time physiological monitoring of the human body - they are limited in their ability to penetrate the depth of human tissue for an even greater understanding. A recent study by Rodgers and his team from UIUC alongside Professor Michael R. Bruchas of Washington University has found a unique solution to the tissue issue - injectable LEDs that can stimulate and monitor brain activity.
The research is founded on the basis of optogenetics - using optics and genetics to purposely control specific areas of the brain, including individual neurons, to actively analyze brain functions and associative behavior. Studies that involve electrical or chemical stimulation of neurons are not as effective due to their tendency to affect large portions of the brain.
This new technology, however, utilizes a platform of LEDs, temperature and light sensors, micro-sized heaters, and electrodes for stimulating and recording electrical activity in the brain with minimal stress on surrounding tissue. The devices are printed onto the tip of an extremely thin plastic ribbon that is injected into the brain via a microinjection needle. The exterior end of the ribbon is then connected to a set of wireless circuitry for sending/receiving information and harvesting energy to power the electronics via RF waves.
The injectable optogenetic device allows researchers to study animal and human brain activity without limiting the movement or behavior of test subjects caused by previous methods. With this newfound ability to light up focused areas of the brain, more extensive work can be carried out to more closely study the effects of neurological disorders on the brain with hopes of finding effective treatments. Past optogenetic experiments have already shown the ability to relieve anxiety-induced brain responses in mice. It will be exciting to find out what kinds of information this research will tell us about the yet unknown inner-workings of the human brain.
Rodgers remains hopeful that this technology will have an even broader range of application with deep tissue stimulation in the future. One experiment in his lab has already provided a method to stimulate nerves in the legs to help people cope with pain.
C
See more news at: