Wireless, Battery-Free Optofluidic Device for Programmable Fluid Delivery and Optogenetics

Diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, pain, Alzheimer's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and many others, affect the quality of life of millions of people worldwide. Progress in understanding the function of neural networks and in developing associated insights into the underlying causes of these mental health and neurological diseases can be accelerated by advances in techniques and methodologies for neuroscience research. Emerging devices for manipulation of neural activity in the deep brain create important new avenues for basic research into the operation of neural circuits, means of intracellular signaling, mechanisms for gene expression and other relevant biological processes. Here, we will present a wireless, battery-free optofluidic device that combine soft microfluidic and µ-ILED probes for programmable fluid delivery and optogenetics. This study yields an affordable technology for broad distribution to the neuroscience community, with a revolutionary unified set of capabilities in targeting specific neuronal populations in freely-moving animals over an unlimited period of time. In addition, the same platforms can easily be adapted for a wide range of other types of passive or active electronics functions, including electrical stimulation.