Optogenetic Stimulation (VIDEO)
Caption
Neuron culture on MEA are stimulated via optogenetic technique. The light patterns of stimulation are defined by the real-time artificial neural network activity. Pattern stimulation images are created by the conversion of a 64 artificial neural network activity to 8x8 matric image. Each square represents one artificial neuron. When the square is white, it means a spike activity, when it is black, it means no activity. Once a VGA-image is delivered to the video projector, an additional simultaneous TTL signal from the digital hardware board activates the signal generator which controls the power modulation of the blue light source of the video projector. The image generated by the video projector is de-magnified (of about fourteen times) through an adapted up-right epifluorescent microscope and focuses on the neuron culture located at the focal plane of the microscope. The living neurons, at about four weeks in culture and previously transduced with the fast Channelrhodopsin2 variant ChIEF, respond to blue light stimulation with evoked neuronal firing monitored both by red calcium imaging and multi-electrode recordings. Note that the illumination highlights the metal strip of the electrodes.
Credit
Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo
Usage Restrictions
This image may only be used with appropriate credit.
License
Licensed content