Neurolux, Inc. — Department of Health and Human Services STTR Phase I: 101

Description

Project Summary Abstract Diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems affect the quality of life of millions of people worldwide Progress in understanding the function of neural networks and in developing associated insights into the underlying causes of these diseases can be accelerated by advances in techniques and methodologies for neuroscience research Collaborative efforts between the Rogers and Bruchas groups recently yielded a wireless battery powered system for fluid delivery and optogenetics in a single head mounted platform These probes operate without physical connection to external light or fluid sources or power supply systems thereby greatly simplifying the equipment requirements and user interfaces for the investigator The complex multi part construction and the required batteries limit the manufacturability and the size weight operating time of the system respectively The proposed program focuses on the development of a wireless battery free platform with similar functionality but in a low cost manufacturable design that is fully compatible with a commercially available wireless electronic platform and control software from the company NeuroLux This technology represents an important advance in tools for neuroscience research with many application possibilities and unique advantages over any other research or commercial alternative The Specific Aims of the proposed work are to develop a wireless battery free electrochemical micropump integrate electrochemical micropumps with ultrathin soft microfluidic and microscale inorganic light emitting diode ILED probes and associated wireless battery free electronics and evaluate the efficacy and robustness of optofluidic devices in awake behaving animals in behavioral tests Project Narrative The proposed program focuses on the development of a wireless battery free optofluidic device for programmable pharmacological delivery and optogenetics in a low cost manufacturable system that is fully compatible with the NeuroLux HF wireless electronic platform and control software Here lightweight implantable electrochemical micropumps and microscale light emitting diodes operate in a centralized system to enable externally and independently triggered delivery of drugs and light to specific neuronal populations in freely moving animals for diverse studies in neuroscience research