Shedding light on neurons: optical approaches for neuromodulation

Shan Jiang; Xiang Wu; Nicholas J Rommelfanger; Zihao Ou; Guosong Hong

doi:10.1093/nsr/nwac007

Shedding light on neurons: optical approaches for neuromodulation

Natl Sci Rev. 2022 Jan 18;9(10):nwac007. doi: 10.1093/nsr/nwac007. eCollection 2022 Oct.

Authors

Shan Jiang^{1

2}, Xiang Wu^{1

2}, Nicholas J Rommelfanger^{2

3}, Zihao Ou^{1

2}, Guosong Hong^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
² Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
³ Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.

Abstract

Today's optical neuromodulation techniques are rapidly evolving, benefiting from advances in photonics, genetics and materials science. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview of the latest optical approaches for neuromodulation. We begin with the physical principles and constraints underlying the interaction between light and neural tissue. We then present advances in optical neurotechnologies in seven modules: conventional optical fibers, multifunctional fibers, optical waveguides, light-emitting diodes, upconversion nanoparticles, optical neuromodulation based on the secondary effects of light, and unconventional light sources facilitated by ultrasound and magnetic fields. We conclude our review with an outlook on new methods and mechanisms that afford optical neuromodulation with minimal invasiveness and footprint.

Keywords: neural interfaces; optical neuromodulation; optogenetics.

Publication types

Review