title: Preparation and implementation of optofluidic neural probes for in vivo wireless pharmacology and optogenetics.
abstract: This Protocol Extension describes the fabrication and technical procedures for implementing ultrathin, flexible optofluidic neural probe systems that provide targeted, wireless delivery of fluids and light into the brains of awake, freely behaving animals. As a Protocol Extension article, this article describes an adaptation of an existing Protocol that offers additional applications. This protocol serves as an extension of an existing Nature Protocol describing optoelectronic devices for studying intact neural systems. Here, we describe additional features of fabricating self-contained platforms that involve flexible microfluidic probes, pumping systems, microscale inorganic LEDs, wireless-control electronics, and power supplies. These small, flexible probes minimize tissue damage and inflammation, making long-term implantation possible. The capabilities include wireless pharmacological and optical intervention for dissecting neural circuitry during behavior. The fabrication can be completed in 1-2 weeks, and the devices can be used for 1-2 weeks of in vivo rodent experiments. To successfully carry out the protocol, researchers should have basic skill sets in photolithography and soft lithography, as well as experience with stereotaxic surgery and behavioral neuroscience practices. These fabrication processes and implementation protocols will increase access to wireless optofluidic neural probes for advanced in vivo pharmacology and optogenetics in freely moving rodents.This protocol is an extension to: Nat. Protoc. 8, 2413-2428 (2013); doi:10.1038/nprot.2013.158; published online 07 November 2013.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Basic Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.|Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.|Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.|Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
authors.forename: Jordan G
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8295-0664
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: McCall
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado, USA.
authors.forename: Raza
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Qazi
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Gunchul
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Shuo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado, USA.
authors.forename: Muhammad Hamza
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Ikram
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA.|Department of Robotics Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Kyung-In
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Jang
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Yuhao
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2442-5690
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Basic Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.|Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.|Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.|Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
authors.forename: Ream
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Al-Hasani
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Basic Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.|Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.|Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.|Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.|Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Bruchas
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado, USA.|Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado, USA.
authors.forename: Jae-Woong
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Jeong
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA.|Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA.|Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA.|Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Rogers
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D056656:Lab-On-A-Chip Devices; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D062308:Optogenetics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D059015:Wireless Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*