Neuronal photoactivation through second-harmonic near-infrared absorption by gold nanoparticles. Issue 1 (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de Boer, Wieteke; Hirtz, Jan; Capretti, Antonio; Gregorkiewicz, Tom; Izquierdo-Serra, Mercè; Han, Shuting; Dupre, Christophe; Shymkiv, Yuriy; Yuste, Rafael
• Is Part Of: Light, science & applications. Volume 7:Issue 1(2018:Jan.)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 13
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Optics -- Research -- Periodicals; Photonics -- Periodicals; 535.05
• DOI: 10.1038/s41377-018-0103-0
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2047-7538

Abstract

Abstract Optical activation of neurons requires genetic manipulation or the use of chemical photoactivators with undesirable side effects. As a solution to these disadvantages, here, we demonstrate optically evoked neuronal activity in mouse cortical neurons in acute slices and in vivo by nonlinear excitation of gold nanoparticles. In addition, we use this approach to stimulate individual epitheliomuscular cells and evoke body contractions inHydra vulgaris . To achieve this, we use a low-power pulsed near-infrared excitation at the double-wavelength of the plasmon resonance of gold nanoparticles, which enables optical sectioning and allows for high spatial precision and large penetration depth. The effect is explained by second-harmonic Mie scattering, demonstrating light absorption by a second-order nonlinear process, which enables photothermal stimulation of the cells. Our approach also minimizes photodamage, demonstrating a major advancement towards precise and harmless photoactivation for neuroscience and human therapeutics. Zapping neurons to life with infrared light Neuronal impulses can be generated by aiming a near-infrared laser beam at gold nanoparticles precisely tethered to brain cells. Wieteke de Boer and Jan Hirtz of the NeuroTechnology Center at Columbia University, USA, and colleagues developed the technique, which could provide a nontoxic, nongenetic alternative to commonly used optical methods for activating brain cells. They tested it in live mouse brain tissue, and also used it to induce movement in a tiny freshwater animal calledHydra vulgaris . The authors demonstrate the potential for targeted stimulation of neurons through the nonlinear absorption of light by nanoparticles. By using low-power short-pulsed near-infrared excitation, the photodamage of the tissue is minimal. The approach shows promise for application in biological systems and for future treatments of neurological and mental disorders.