High-Precision Photoacoustic Technique for Neural Modulation

High-Precision Photoacoustic Neural Modulation Uses a Non-Thermal Mechanism

Researchers from Boston University have made a significant advancement in neural modulation with a new high-precision photoacoustic (PA) technique.

The results of this study were published in the journal Advanced Science, and promise to offer a foundation for the design of more efficient and safer non-genetic neural modulation approaches.

The study revealed unique electrophysiological responses between photoacoustic (PA) and photothermal (PT)  stimulations, confirming their different underlying mechanisms. Unlike PT stimulation, which relies on thermal effects, PA stimulation activates neurons through mechanosensitive ion channels, avoiding heat-related damage.

To directly compare the PA and PT stimulation at the single cell level, the scientists designed a fiber emitter (FE) to produce the PA or PT effect selectively by coupling it to different excitation lasers. The Cobolt Rumba 1064 nm laser was used for PT stimulation. The continuous wave laser provided the necessary thermal energy to activate neurons through heat, contrasting with the non-thermal mechanism of the PA stimulation.

This breakthrough offers a new avenue for non-genetic neural modulation, paving the way for more precise and safer approaches in both research and medical applications.