OLED Micro-Arrays for Optogenetics

What is it about?

A microscopic version of the OLED displays found in modern smart-phones can be used for optogenetics, i.e. for control of genetically modified cells with light. We used HEK cells (human embryonic kidney cells), a common model system, expressing different versions of the ion channel Channelrhodopsin. These channels can be opened by blue light. Growing cells directly on the surface of an OLED micro-display we found them to respond to the light provided by individual pixels of the display. The work was carried out in the lab of Prof. Malte Gather (Soft Matter Photonics, School of Physics & Astronomy) at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, in collaboration with Dr Emily Witts and Dr Gareth Miles from the School of Psychology and Neuroscience. Find the paper at http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/2/5/e1600061.full

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Why is it important?

These OLED arrays could be used for cell-specific optogenetic control in cultured neuronal networks, brain slices, and other biomedical research applications. Depending on which picture we show to the cells, we expect to see different responses and thus better understand how for example cells are linked within a neuronal network. A principal advantage of the lens-free OLED approach is the capability to perform multiple experiments in parallel without damage to the cells. Our work will facilitate new ways of studying neuronal network function and ultimately advance knowledge of the neuronal dysfunction that underlies neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Motor Neurone Disease.