A wirelessly powered, fully internal implant that enables optogenetic stimulation of brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system in untethered mice

Stanford researchers have developed a wirelessly powered, fully internal implant which allows for optogenetic control of neurons throughout the nervous system in mammals, and in particular, mice. The smallest version of this implant (20 mg, 10 mm³) is two orders of magnitude smaller than other wireless optogenetic systems, which allows it to be fully implanted beneath the skin anywhere in the body to target multiple neural structures, both deep and superficial. This system enables optogenetic experiments in which animals are able to behave naturally with optogenetic manipulation of both central and peripheral targets.

Stanford News Article– “Miniature wireless device being developed by Stanford Bio-X team creates better way of studying chronic pain”, 10/7/14

Video of freely moving mice with wireless implants

Stage of Research