title: Arrays of microscopic organic LEDs for high-resolution optogenetics.
abstract: Optogenetics is a paradigm-changing new method to study and manipulate the behavior of cells with light. Following major advances of the used genetic constructs over the last decade, the light sources required for optogenetic control are now receiving increased attention. We report a novel optogenetic illumination platform based on high-density arrays of microscopic organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Because of the small dimensions of each array element (6 × 9 μm(2)) and the use of ultrathin device encapsulation, these arrays enable illumination of cells with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. We show that adherent eukaryotic cells readily proliferate on these arrays, and we demonstrate specific light-induced control of the ionic current across the membrane of individual live cells expressing different optogenetic constructs. Our work paves the way for the use of OLEDs for cell-specific optogenetic control in cultured neuronal networks and for acute brain slices, or as implants in vivo.
authors.affiliation: Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA), School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9SS, UK.
authors.forename: Anja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Steude
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Bute Building, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9TS, UK.
authors.forename: Emily C
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-4226-6678
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Witts
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Bute Building, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9TS, UK.
authors.forename: Gareth B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Miles
authors.affiliation: Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA), School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9SS, UK.
authors.forename: Malte C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Gather
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000528:radiation effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000528:radiation effects; D004581:Electronics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D015870:Gene Expression; D057809:HEK293 Cells; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D055620:Optical Phenomena; D062308:Optogenetics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010775:Photic Stimulation
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers
keywords: OLED; channelrhodopsin; microdisplay; neuroscience; optogenetics; organic electronics