A Unified System for Wireless Optogenetics and Brain Microdialysis for Small Molecules Prototype Development and Validation

PROJECT SUMMARY
While optogenetics is well suited for understanding the dynamic activity of neural circuits the first central
theme of the NIH BRAIN Initiative PAR its neurochemical impacts remain largely uncharacterized
due to a lack of appropriate tools Given that the predominant mode of cellular interactions is neurochemical
commercial development of such tools will fulfill the goals set by the first as well as the second central theme of
the NIH BRAIN Initiative developing novel tools to facilitate the detailed analysis of complex circuits and
provide insights into cellular interactions that underlie brain function This R project aims to fulfill these goals
through Aim prototype development and Aim prototype validation of a unified system for wireless
optogenetics and brain microdialysis for small molecules including but not limited to glutamate dopamine
GABA serotonin norepinephrine and acetylcholine Brain microdialysis is a well established method capable
of comprehensive as well as high throughput multiplex neurochemical profiling Microdialysis supports a
wide range of application neurochemical targets as well as a high level of efficiency sensitivity accuracy
practicality maintainability and manufacturability The proposed unified system of wireless optogenetics and
brain microdialysis is expected to possess high research as well as business potentials and help address
unexplored questions in neuroscience that cannot be adequately addressed by the current technologies The
prototype development design and production will be based on existing products from Eicom USA By taking
advantage of our own market tested technologies we attempt to maximize the technical feasibility minimize
the Randamp D challenge and thus attain both high product development feasibility and high benefit cost ratio BCR
while reducing the time to market TTM Two systems one main and the other backup for potential
pitfalls are proposed The prototype validation iterate refinement will be achieved as specified by NIH
through feedback from end users in the context of the intended experimental use thus ensuring reliable
broad sustainable dissemination and incorporation of the final products into regular neuroscience practice
For this premise the prototypes will be utilized for afferent neuronal input specific neurochemical profiling in
freely moving animals to address an unexplored question in neuroscience First the expected results will
validate the prototypes Second the results will also serve as the first direct evidence comprehensively
characterizing the neurochemical impacts of optogenetics establishing the proof of concept as well as
research benefits of the proposed system and thereby providing the marketing tools for the planned
commercialization of the final product PROJECT NARRATIVE
The purpose of this R project is to develop and validate the prototypes for a unified system of wireless
optogenetics and brain microdialysis for small molecules such as neurotransmitters and small peptides The
prototype will be developed designed and produced by taking advantage of existing technologies and then
validated through end user feedback in the context of intended experimental use The final product is expected
to provide the means to comprehensively determine the neurochemical impacts of optogenetics that still
largely remain uncharacterized due to the lack of appropriate tools and thereby satisfy the NIH Brain Initiative