Light‐Controlled Electric Stimulation with Organic Electrolytic Photocapacitors Achieves Complex Neuronal Network Activation: Semi‐Chronic Study in Cortical Cell Culture and Rat Model

Scientific paper - Original scientific paper

• Author: Marta Nowakowska
• Author: Marie Jakešová
• Author: Tony Schmidt
• Author: Aleksandar Opančar
• Author: Mathias Polz
• Author: Robert Reimer
• Author: Julia Fuchs
• Author: Silke Patz
• Author: Daniel Ziesel
• Author: Susanne Scheruebel
• Author: Karin Kornmueller
• Author: Theresa Rienmüller
• Author: Vedran Đerek
• Author: Eric D. Głowacki
• Author: Rainer Schindl
• Author: Muammer Üçal
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; Faculty of Science; (Department of Physics)
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: NATURAL SCIENCES; Physics

Abstract (english)

Neurostimulation employing photoactive organic semiconductors offers an appealing alternative to conventional techniques, enabling targeted action and wireless control through light. In this study, organic electrolytic photocapacitors (OEPC) are employed to investigate the effects of light‐controlled electric stimulation on neuronal networks in vitro and in vivo. The interactions between the devices and biological systems are characterized. Stimulation of primary rat cortical neurons results in an elevated expression of c‐Fos within a mature neuronal network. OEPC implantation for three weeks and subsequent stimulation of the somatosensory cortex leads to an increase of c‐Fos in neurons at the stimulation site and in connected brain regions (entorhinal cortex, hippocampus), both in the ipsi‐ and contralateral hemispheres. Reactivity of glial and immune cells after semi‐chronic implantation of OEPC in the rat brain is comparable to that of surgical controls, indicating minimal foreign body response. Device functionality is further substantiated through retained charging dynamics following explantation. OEPC‐based, light‐controlled electric stimulation has a significant impact on neural responsiveness. The absence of detrimental effects on both the brain and device encourages further use of OEPC as cortical implants. These findings highlight its potential as a novel mode of neurostimulation and instigate further exploration into applications in fundamental neuroscience.

• Keywords (english): bioelectronics; cortical stimulation; c-Fos; excitability; immunohistochemistry; organic semiconductors; wireless stimulation R
• Language: english
• Publication type: Scientific paper - Original scientific paper
• Publication status: Published
• Peer review: Peer review - international
• Publication version: Published version
• Journal title: Advanced Healthcare Materials
• Numbering: vol. 2024, 2401303
• p-ISSN: 2192-2640
• e-ISSN: 2192-2659
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/adhm.202401303
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:217:512424
• Publication: 2024-08-13
• Project: Number: UIP-2019-04-1753; Title (croatian): Mikro i nano-strukture za 3D opto-bioelektroniku; Title (english): Micro- and nano-structures for 3D opto-bioelectronics; Acronym: 3Doptobio; Leader: Vedran Đerek; Jurisdiction: Croatia; Funding stream: Installation Research Projects
• Project: Number: KK.01.1.1.02.0013; Title (croatian): Centar za Napredna Istraživanja Kompleksnih Sustava; Title (english): Centre for Advanced Research of Complex Systems; Acronym: CeNIKS; Leader: Mihael Srđan Grbić; Jurisdiction: eu; Funding stream: European Regional Development Fund
• Project: Number: KK.01.1.1.01.0004; Title (croatian): Provedba vrhunskih istraživanja u sklopu Znanstvenog centra izvrsnosti za kvantne i kompleksne sustave te reprezentacije Liejevih algebri; Title (english): Implementation of top research within the Scientific Center of Excellence for Quantum and Complex Systems, and Representations of Lie Algebras; Acronym: QuantiXLie; Leader: Hrvoje Buljan; Jurisdiction: eu; Funding stream: European Regional Development Fund
• Document URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adhm.202401303
• Type of resource: Text
• Access conditions: Open access
• Public note: © 2024 The Author(s). Advanced Healthcare Materials published by Wiley-VCH GmbH. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Received: April 9, 2024. Revised: August 5, 2024. Published online: 13 August 2024.
• Created on: 2024-09-12 12:50:05