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Abstract #2990

Non-invasive Deep-brain Optogenetic fMRI Mediated by 808 nm Infrared-sensitized Upconversion Nanoparticles

Audrey S. Guo1,2, Alex T.L. Leong1,2, Xunda Wang1,2, Celia M. Dong1,2, Eddie C.S. Wong1,2, Kannie W. Y. Chan3, Liming Bian4, and Ed X. Wu1,2

1Electrical and electronic engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 3Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 4Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Typically, optogenetic fMRI is presented at the target region through an implanted optical fiber. Despite the use of small fibers that range from 100µm-400µm in diameter that will ensure minimal brain tissue injury during insertion, it remains an invasive procedure as small brain regions could be easily damaged. In this study, we aim to demonstrate a solution to make non-invasive optogenetic stimulation viable, particularly when used in combination with fMRI to stimulate deep brain regions. We propose the use of our recently developed upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), which can be triggered to emit blue light by penetrative near-infrared light (NIR; 808nm) and excite channelrhodopsins (ChR2) expressed in ventral posteromedial (VPM) thalamocortical excitatory neurons.

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