Demonstration of an Optimized Large-scale Optogenetic Cortical Interface for Non-human Primates

Large-scale multimodal surface neural interfaces for primates

“…Similar strategies using transparent μ-ECoG but LED arrays instead of fiber-coupled lasers as the source of light have also been successfully implemented in rodents 49 , 96 , 103 and recently in NHPs. 104 105 A different strategy validated both in rodents 63 and NHPs 30 consists of using LEDs and μ-ECoG as two separate arrays with complementary shapes such that both can sit on the cortical surface without overlapping with each other ( Figures 4 E and 4F). Except for that isolated case where the ECoG array does not need to be transparent, a key challenge that most multimodal devices face is chronically maintaining the ECoG array performance and optical access to the brain for optogenetic manipulation or other optical techniques over time frames relevant to neuroscience studies, i.e., months, or ideally years.…”

“…Work using this approach has been recently demonstrated both acutely 33 , 78 and chronically. 104 In these studies, an ECoG array with electrodes made of conductive platinum particles dispersed in a transparent flexible polymer is directly molded in a silicone artificial dura.…”

Protocol to study ischemic stroke by photothrombotic lesioning in the cortex of non-human primates

“…The experiments in this protocol were performed in anesthetized animals; however, these methods can be implemented chronically to be used in awake-behaving animals by implanting a chronic optical interface. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 This will enable the combination of our interface with sophisticated behavioral paradigms in NHPs. The acute optical interface described in this protocol offers the ability to induce lesions, record neurophysiology, and image blood flow in the cortical vasculature.…”

“…We describe how lesioning can be performed with simultaneous neurophysiology recording by using a Multi-Modal Artificial Dura (MMAD) 1 , 2 , 7 which contains platinum electrodes embedded in a transparent polymer. Since our lesions are photochemically induced, this semi-transparent neurophysiology recording apparatus can be assembled directly on the cortical surface, providing the ability to monitor neural activity while the lesions are forming.…”

“…For example, electrical stimulation administered during the acute phase of ischemic stroke using this system proved to reduce lesion volume. 12 Furthermore, the optical access provided through this interface enables optical stimulation (e.g., optogenetics) 1 , 2 , 4 , 6 , 7 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 in addition to electrical stimulation for more sophisticated manipulation of the network. Previous work, using both electrical 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 and optogenetic 17 stimulation, has demonstrated the feasibility of perturbing the neural network and establishing precise functional connectivity changes.…”