Cell Membrane Dynamics in Infrared Nerve Stimulation and Blocking
Abstract
Optical infrared neural stimulation offers an exciting alternative to electrical nerve stimulation featuring advantages of high spatial confinement, selectivity and contactless performance. This can lead to novel forms of therapeutic approaches for neuromodulation in neurological diseases, e.g. epilepsy and external muscle control. However, the exact biophysical mechanisms associated with thermal gradients that trigger compound action potentials upon optical illumination are currently still being investigated as various phenomena can contribute simultaneously depending on the exact cell environment and type. In this proposal, the objective is to gain a deeper understanding of the biophysical mechanisms associated with the dynamics of cell plasma membranes upon interaction with infrared electromagnetic waves. For real-time monitoring in a non-intrusive manner, we propose a novel nonlinear photothermal spectroscopy based optical characterization platform that can analyze phase transitions in the cell membranes, the temporal formation of nanopores and track action potentials as well as cell swelling. Although these phenomena occur at dimensions well below the diffraction limit of the imaging wavelength, the proposed measured parameters of thermal lensing, spectral bifurcation, birefringence, diffusion times and scattering behavior can be directly linked to the fundamental biological processes. Resonant wavelength stimulation at vibrational overtones of lipid bilayer molecules, ultrashort pulse illumination and hybrid excitation schemes will be explored for infrared nerve stimulation at reduced overall thermal exposure. The proposed studies will be conducted in phospholipid bilayer models and nerve cell experiments and aim to enhance the efficacy and safety margins of infrared neural stimulation and inhibition.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 02, 2017
- Source ID
- FA95501710276
Entities
People
- Michelle Y Sander
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Boston University
- United States Air Force