Optogenetic Neural Probe With Waveguide Array and Signal Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neural probes face limitations in simultaneously stimulating or suppressing neurons and recording neural signals due to manufacturing constraints of optical fibers, particularly in three-dimensional neural tissues, and lack efficient integration of optical and electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A neural probe with multiple optical input and output ports and electrodes, integrated with an optical switch circuit, allowing for both optogenetic neural stimulation and electrode-based signal recording, connected via wired or wireless communication, and an interface device for efficient optical and electrical signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical fibers are used for light delivery to neurons, then optogenetic stimulation can be achieved, but light cannot be delivered to regions other than the end of the optical fiber due to manufacturing limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The neural probe divides the light delivery function into multiple optical waveguides arranged in a array, where each waveguide can independently deliver light to different spatial locations. This segmentation allows light to be delivered to multiple regions simultaneously, overcoming the limitation of single-point delivery by conventional optical fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional optical fiber delivery to a two-dimensional array of optical waveguides. This dimensional expansion enables light to be delivered to multiple spatial locations across the neural tissue surface, providing versatile coverage of three-dimensional neural structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both optical stimulation and electrical recording are integrated into a single neural probe, then simultaneous neural stimulation and signal recording can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical waveguides for light delivery and electrodes for electrical recording into a single integrated neural probe structure. This combination enables simultaneous optogenetic stimulation and electrophysiological recording, achieving dual functionality that was previously required separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The neural probe is designed as a multi-functional device that performs both optical stimulation through integrated waveguides and electrical recording through embedded electrodes. This universal design allows a single probe to serve multiple experimental purposes, reducing the need for separate specialized devices.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple optical waveguides with output ports are used to radiate light to multiple cell tissues, then coverage of three-dimensional neural structures is improved, but the difficulty of integrating electrical connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds electrical electrodes within the structural framework of the optical waveguide array. The electrodes are nested among the waveguides in a coordinated arrangement, allowing both optical and electrical functions to share the same spatial envelope and simplifying the integration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the integration challenge by transitioning to a three-dimensional layered structure where optical waveguides and electrical electrodes are arranged in different spatial planes. This dimensional separation allows independent optimization of optical and electrical pathways while maintaining overall system integration.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional optical fibers are used for neural stimulation, then the setup is simple, but it is difficult to radiate light to regions other than the end of the optical fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single optical fiber into an array of multiple optical waveguides, each capable of independent light delivery. This segmentation maintains the simplicity of optical fiber-based systems while enabling flexible light delivery to multiple spatial locations simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide array provides dynamic flexibility in light delivery by allowing independent control of each waveguide. This enables adaptive illumination patterns that can be dynamically adjusted to target different neural regions based on experimental requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simultaneous and efficient neural stimulation and recording, reducing damage to tissues and lowering experimental costs by allowing replacement of probes and consistent use of interface devices.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide, and configured to transmit the optical signal to the optical output port
Implementation Method 2
a method of making an electrode to be adjacent to neurons and applying the right amount of a current or a voltage to the nerve is used. Furthermore, when protein that has a light-reactive ion channel action like channel rhodopsin-2 (ChR2) is transplanted on neurons and light having a specific wavelength is radiated to the protein, a nerve may be activated even by photic simulation not by an electric stimulus
Implementation Method 3
In general, the transfer of the signal of a neuron is performed by an electrochemical action
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a neural probe, a neural probe interface device connected to the neural probe, and a biological experiment system including the neural probe and the neural probe interface device. The neural probe collects a neural signal generated from neurons based on an optogenetics technique. The neural probe includes a neural probe substrate, an optical input port disposed in the neural probe substrate and configured to receive an optical signal from the outside, an optical output port disposed in the neural probe substrate and configured to transmit the optical signal to neurons, a first electrode configured to receive the neural signal, and a second electrode configured to receive the neural signal from the first electrode through an electric wire and to transmit the neural signal to the outside by using any one of a wired communication method and a wireless communication method.