College
College of Engineering (COE)
Date of Last Revision
2023-05-03 16:03:03
Major
Chemical Engineering
Honors Course
4200 497-001
Number of Credits
3
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2020
Abstract
Utilizing light and genetic engineering, optogenetics permits the manipulation of events within cells via light using the light-sensitive properties of single-component microbial opsins. Microbial opsins are activated by a light source, such as lasers, light-emitting diodes, and incandescent sources that deliver light to the region of interest either directly or indirectly, such as through fiberoptics. In classical in vivo optogenetics, the wiring of optic fibers necessitates tethering of animals by the optic fiber to the light source. The novel NeuroLux wireless optoelectronic system for optogenetics circumvents issues pertaining to classical optogenetics by utilizing near-field power transfer via magnetic coil antennae to power miniature, subdermal, and flexible optoelectronic implants, including an LED light sources. Furthermore, features of the NeuroLux system overcome issues posed by other wireless systems, including interference. This preliminary study sought to validate and optimize the novel NeuroLux system setup by stimulating the cornu ammonis 2 (CA2) region of the hippocampus in transgenic mice that express Cre recombinase from the vasopressin 1b receptor promoter. Following experimentation, distinct stimulation, indicated by quantified cFos expression, was noted in the CA2 region, thereby validating the use of the NeuroLux wireless optoelectronics system for future optogenetics studies.
Research Sponsor
Nicholas Leipzig, Ph.D.
First Reader
Su Hyun Lee, Ph.D.
Second Reader
W. Scott Young, M.D., Ph.D.
Honors Faculty Advisor
Lingyun Liu, Ph.D.
Recommended Citation
Courey, Karis; Hyun Lee, Su Ph.D.; Smith, Adam Ph.D.; Cilz, Nicholas Ph.D.; Williams Avram, Sarah K. Ph.D.; Cymerblit-Sabba, Adi Ph.D.; Song, June; Leipzig, Nicholas Ph.D.; and Young, W. Scott M.D., Ph.D., "Optimization and validation of the NeuroLux wireless optoelectronics system for optogenetics" (2020). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1029.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1029
Included in
Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineering Commons, Biotechnology Commons, Genetics Commons, Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Commons