Light-Proof Electrodes
AssigneeMassachusetts Institute of Technology
InventorsAnthony Zorzos, Clifton Fonstad, Edward Boyden, Giovanni Talei Franzesi, August Dietrich
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Abstract
According to principles of this invention, the photoelectrochemical effect (“PE effect”) may be greatly reduced or eliminated, even when an electrode is immersed in an electrolyte and exposed to light, by using a transparent conductor to record electrical activity. Thus, an electrode with a clear conductor may be used to accurately record electrical activity of neurons and other cells that are exposed to light in vivo or in vitro. Such an electrode eliminates or greatly reduces the artifacts that would otherwise be caused by light due to the PE effect.
Claims20
A process that comprises using at least one electrode with a substantially transparent conductor to record electrical activity while at least one said electrode is exposed to light and immersed in an electrolytic solution.
A method comprising use of an electrode with a substantially clear conductor to record electrical activity of at least one neuron or other cell in such a manner that, during at least part of the duration of said recording, said electrode is exposed to light and immersed in an electrolytic solution.
An electrode which comprises a metal wire coated with a clear conductor and which is adapted for recording electrical activity while exposed to light and immersed in an electrolytic solution.
A microfabricated apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes and a silicon or PET substrate, wherein at least one said electrode comprises a substantially transparent conductor and is adapted for recording electrical activity of a neuron or other cell in vivo.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.