X-optogenetics / U-optogenetics
AssigneeRensselaer Polytechnic Institute
InventorsGe Wang, Matthew Getzin, Rachel Berry, Lars Gjesteby
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and systems for performing optogenetics using X-rays or ultrasound waves are provided. Visible-light-emitting nanophosphors can be provided to a sample, and X-ray stimulation can be used to stimulate the nanophosphors to emit visible light. Alternatively, ultrasonic waves can be provided to the sample to cause sonoluminescence, also resulting in emission of visible light, and this can be aided by the use of a chemiluminescent agent present in the sample. The emitted light can trigger changes in proteins that modulate membrane potentials in neuronal cells.
Claims15
A method of performing optogenetics, comprising:
- providing chemiluminescent agents to a sample;
- and
- providing ultrasonic waves to the sample causing a sonoluminescence effect within the sample and also causing the chemiluminescent agents to emit light, thereby changing the membrane potential of a neuron within the sample;
- wherein changing the membrane potential of the neuron within the sample comprises the opening of a light-sensitive ion channel of the neuron upon receiving at least one photon of the light emitted by the chemiluminescent agents;
- and
- wherein the light-sensitive ion channel opens at least 30% of the time after receiving one photon of the light emitted by the chemiluminescent agents.
A kit, comprising:
- a) rhodopsins configured to induce excitatory potentials in neurons of a human brain;
- and
- b) either the elements listed in i) or the elements listed in ii):
- i. a carbon nanotube X-ray source configured to provide X-ray stimulation;
- and
- visible-light-emitting nanophosphors configured to emit visible light upon stimulation from the carbon nanotube X-ray source, wherein the visible-light-emitting nanophosphors are functionalized to specifically bind to the rhodopsins;
- or
- ii. an ultrasound source configured to provide ultrasonic waves at a frequency on the order of kHz or MHz;
- and
- visible-light-emitting chemiluminescent agents configured to emit visible light upon stimulation from the ultrasonic waves, wherein the visible-light-emitting chemiluminescent agents are functionalized to specifically bind to the rhodopsins;
- wherein the rhodopsins are configured to change the membrane potential of a neuron within the human brain by either:
- providing the rhodopsins and visible-light-emitting nanophosphors to the human brain, and providing X-ray stimulation to the human brain;
- or
- providing the rhodopsins and visible-light-emitting chemiluminescent agents to the human brain, and providing ultrasonic wave stimulation to the human brain;
- wherein changing the membrane potential of the neuron within the human brain comprises the opening of a light-sensitive ion channel of the neuron upon receiving at least one photon of the visible light emitted by the visible-light-emitting nanophosphors or the visible-light-emitting chemiluminescent agents;
- and
- wherein the light-sensitive ion channel opens at least 30% of the time after receiving one photon of the visible-light emitted by the visible-light-emitting nanophosphors or the visible-light-emitting chemiluminescent agents.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.