Publication detail

Light-Controlled Electric Stimulation with Organic Electrolytic Photocapacitors Achieves Complex Neuronal Network Activation: Semi-Chronic Study in Cortical Cell Culture and Rat Model

NOWAKOWSKA, M. JAKEŠOVÁ, M. SCHMIDT, T. OPANČAR, A. REIMER, R. POLZ, M. PATZ, S. FUCHS, J. ZIESEL, D. SCHERUEBEL, S. KORNMUELLER, K. RIENMÜLLER, T. DEREK, V. GLOWACKI, E. SCHINDL, R. ÜÇAL, M.

Original Title

Light-Controlled Electric Stimulation with Organic Electrolytic Photocapacitors Achieves Complex Neuronal Network Activation: Semi-Chronic Study in Cortical Cell Culture and Rat Model

Type

journal article in Web of Science

Language

English

Original Abstract

Neurostimulation employing photoactive organic semiconductors offers an appealing alternative to conventional techniques, enabling targeted action and wireless control through light. In this study, organic electrolytic photocapacitors (OEPC) are employed to investigate the effects of light-controlled electric stimulation on neuronal networks in vitro and in vivo. The interactions between the devices and biological systems are characterized. Stimulation of primary rat cortical neurons results in an elevated expression of c-Fos within a mature neuronal network. OEPC implantation for three weeks and subsequent stimulation of the somatosensory cortex leads to an increase of c-Fos in neurons at the stimulation site and in connected brain regions (entorhinal cortex, hippocampus), both in the ipsi- and contralateral hemispheres. Reactivity of glial and immune cells after semi-chronic implantation of OEPC in the rat brain is comparable to that of surgical controls, indicating minimal foreign body response. Device functionality is further substantiated through retained charging dynamics following explantation. OEPC-based, light-controlled electric stimulation has a significant impact on neural responsiveness. The absence of detrimental effects on both the brain and device encourages further use of OEPC as cortical implants. These findings highlight its potential as a novel mode of neurostimulation and instigate further exploration into applications in fundamental neuroscience. Wireless cortical stimulation is an attractive alternative to standard neurostimulation methods. Organic photoactive semiconductors can transduce light into electric signal, even in ultrathin layers, which can be used to stimulate neurons. In this study, light-based stimulation activated complex neuronal networks in vitro and in vivo, including deep brain regions. The devices proved safe and stable over three weeks of implantation. image

Keywords

bioelectronics; cortical stimulation; c-Fos; excitability; immunohistochemistry; organic semiconductors; wireless stimulation

Authors

NOWAKOWSKA, M.; JAKEŠOVÁ, M.; SCHMIDT, T.; OPANČAR, A.; REIMER, R.; POLZ, M.; PATZ, S.; FUCHS, J.; ZIESEL, D.; SCHERUEBEL, S.; KORNMUELLER, K.; RIENMÜLLER, T.; DEREK, V.; GLOWACKI, E.; SCHINDL, R.; ÜÇAL, M.

Released

13. 8. 2024

Publisher

WILEY

Location

HOBOKEN

ISBN

2192-2659

Periodical

Journal of Interconnection Networks

Year of study

2024

Number

2401303

State

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Pages count

19

URL

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adhm.202401303

BibTex

@article{BUT189744,
  author="Marta {Nowakowska} and Marie {Jakešová} and Tony {Schmidt} and Aleksandar {Opančar} and Robert {Reimer} and Mathias {Polz} and Silke {Patz} and Julia {Fuchs} and Daniel {Ziesel} and Susanne {Scheruebel} and Karin {Kornmueller} and Theresa {Rienmüller} and Vedran {Derek} and Eric Daniel {Glowacki} and Rainer {Schindl} and Muammer {Üçal}",
  title="Light-Controlled Electric Stimulation with Organic Electrolytic Photocapacitors Achieves Complex Neuronal Network Activation: Semi-Chronic Study in Cortical Cell Culture and Rat Model",
  journal="Journal of Interconnection Networks",
  year="2024",
  volume="2024",
  number="2401303",
  pages="19",
  doi="10.1002/adhm.202401303",
  issn="2192-2659",
  url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adhm.202401303"
}