A wireless, solar-powered, optoelectronic system for spatial restriction-free long-term optogenetic neuromodulations
Jaejin Park, Kyubeen Kim, Yujin Kim, Tae Soo Kim, In Sik Min, Bowen Li, Young Uk Cho, Chan‐Woo Lee, Ju Young Lee, Yuyan Gao, Kyowon Kang, Do Hyeon Kim, Won Jun Choi, Hyun‐Beom Shin, Ho Kwan Kang, Young Min Song, Huanyu Cheng, Il‐Joo Cho, Ki Jun Yu
Abstract
Numerous wireless optogenetic systems have been reported for practical tether-free optogenetics in freely moving animals. However, most devices rely on battery-powered or coil-powered systems requiring periodic battery replacement or bulky, high-cost charging equipment with delicate antenna design. This leads to spatiotemporal constraints, such as limited experimental duration due to battery life or animals' restricted movement within specific areas to maintain wireless power transmission. In this study, we present a wireless, solar-powered, flexible optoelectronic device for neuromodulation of the complete freely behaving subject. This device provides chronic operation without battery replacement or other external settings including impedance matching technique and radio frequency generators. Our device uses high-efficiency, thin InGaP/GaAs tandem flexible photovoltaics to harvest energy from various light sources, which powers Bluetooth system to facilitate long-term, on-demand use. Observation of sustained locomotion behaviors for a month in mice via secondary motor cortex area stimulation demonstrates the notable capabilities of our device, highlighting its potential for space-free neuromodulating applications.