Devices

Cellular-scale GaN micro-LEDs with a Pt electrode and sensors on a thin injectable probe, used for fully wireless optogenetic control of freely moving animals. Illinois and Washington University, 2013.

Device — Intracortical

Injectable micro-LED optoelectronics (wireless optogenetics)

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optogenetics · micro-LED · injectable · wireless · Rogers · Bruchas · academic · preclinical

Injectable micro-LED optoelectronics (wireless optogenetics)

One-line verdict: Light sources the size of a cell, injected into deep brain with a recording electrode beside them, driven wirelessly in animals that are free to move.

Quick tags: Stimulation (optical) · Recording · Intracortical · Published: 2013 (Science)

Overview

What it is: An injectable class of cellular-scale semiconductor devices. The building block is a GaN micro-inorganic LED (µ-ILED). Multilayer probes combine µ-ILEDs with sensors and actuators, including a platinum microelectrode for recording or electrical stimulation.

Why it matters: Optogenetics usually needs a fiber to the brain. This shows light sources placed at precise deep locations without a tether, controlled by a wireless link.

What was shown: Completely wireless, programmed control of complex behavior in freely moving animals.

Spec Card Grid

Identity

  • Authors: Tae-il Kim, Jordan G. McCall and co-authors; corresponding authors John A. Rogers and Michael R. Bruchas
  • Org: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Washington University in St. Louis, with collaborators
  • Published: Science 340(6129):211-216, 12 April 2013

Geometry & Architecture

  • µ-ILED: 6.45 µm thick, 50 × 50 µm
  • Pt microelectrode: 20 × 20 µm exposed area
  • Format: injected into tissue as a thin multifunctional probe

Evidence and limits

  • Shown: wireless optogenetic behavioral control in freely moving animals
  • Not covered here: human use; long-term durability

Engineering Verdict

Strengths: no fiber, deep placement, light and electrical recording in one probe.

Limitations: depends on optogenetic expression in the target cells, which is not available in humans today; delivery and heat management are addressed in the paper, not summarized here.

References