Construction of a Flexible Optogenetic Device for Multisite and Multiregional Optical Stimulation Through Flexible µ-LED Displays on the Cerebral Cortex.

ABSTRACT

Precisely delivering light to multiple locations in biological tissue is crucial for advancing multiregional optogenetics in neuroscience research. However, conventional implantable devices typically have rigid geometries and limited light sources, allowing only single or dual probe placement with fixed spacing. Here, a fully flexible optogenetic device with multiple thin-film microscale light-emitting diode (µ-LED) displays scattering from a central controller is presented. Each display is heterogeneously integrated with thin-film 5 × 10 µ-LEDs and five optical fibers 125 µm in diameter to achieve cellular-scale spatial resolution. Meanwhile, the device boasts a compact, flexible circuit capable of multichannel configuration and wireless transmission, with an overall weight of 1.31 g, enabling wireless, real-time neuromodulation of freely moving rats. Characterization results and finite element analysis have demonstrated excellent optical properties and mechanical stability, while cytotoxicity tests further ensure the biocompatibility of the device for implantable applications. Behavior studies under optogenetic modulation indicate great promise for wirelessly modulating neural functions in freely moving animals. The device with multisite and multiregional optogenetic modulation capability offers a comprehensive platform to advance both fundamental neuroscience studies and potential applications in brain-computer interfaces.