An Optogenetic neural stimulation platform for concurrent induction and recording of neural activity

摘要

The precise control of neural activity afforded by the use of light sensitive ion channels such as Channel Rhodopsin (ChR2) offers neuroscientists the means to devise new experiments. In this paper we present the Optogenetic Neural Stimulation (ONS) platform which enables complex in-vitro or ex-vivo investigation of neural activity. The platform is based on micro-meter sized Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) integrated onto a single Galliμm Nitrite chip. Mounted onto a microscope system, this system can be used to carry out experiments on networks of cells, or on sub-cellular regions of a neuron with millisecond timing and micrometer resolution.