Optical neuromodulation at all scales: from nanomaterials to wireless optoelectronics and integrated systems

Abstract

Light-based neuromodulation systems offer exceptional spatiotemporal resolution combined with the elimination of physical tether to communicate with neurons. Currently, optical neuromodulation systems ranging from the nano to the centimeter scale enable neural activity control from the single cell to the organ level in retina, heart, spinal cord, and brain, facilitating a wide range of experiments in intact and freely moving animals in different contexts, such as during social interactions and behavioral tasks. Nanotransducers (e.g., metallic nanoparticles, silicon nanowires, and polymeric nanoparticles) and microfabricated photodiodes convert light to electrical, thermal, and mechanical stimuli that can allow remote and non-contact stimulation of neurons. Moreover, integrated devices composed of nano and microscale optoelectronic components comprise fully implantable and wirelessly powered smart optoelectronic systems that exhibit multimodal and closed-loop operation. In this review, we first discuss the material platforms, stimulation mechanisms, and applications of passive systems, i.e., nanotransducers and microphotodiodes. Then, we review the use of organic and inorganic light-emitting diodes for optogenetics and implantable wireless optoelectronic systems that enable closed-loop optogenetic neuromodulation through the use of light-emitting diodes, wireless power transfer circuits, and feedback loops. Exploration of materials and mechanisms together with the presented applications from both research and clinical perspectives in this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the optical neuromodulation field with its advantages and challenges to build superior systems in the future.