Neural Stimulation: Multiplexed Optogenetic Stimulation of Neurons with Spectrum-Selective Upconversion Nanoparticles (Adv. Healthcare Mater. 17/2017)

An all-optical neural stimulation strategy is demonstrated by utilizing spectrum-tunable NaYF4 based upconversion nanoparticles, which are used as transducers to absorb near-infrared energy and to emit visible light for stimulating neurons expressing channelrhodopsin proteins by Feng Wang, Peng Shi, and co-workers in article 1700446. Depending on the different dopants in the particles, the spectrum of their upconverted emission can be tuned to accommodate different opsin proteins for multiplexed and combinatorial neural stimulation, which is systematically characterized in cultured primary neurons as well as in rodent animals.

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