Joint Electrical Engineering Systems & Medical Engineering Seminar
[A person wearing a suit and tie Description automatically generated]Abraham Vázquez-Guardado, PhD Center for Bio-Integrated Electronics Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics Northwestern University Date: May 10, 2021 @ 4:00 PM Zoom event: https://caltech.zoom.us/j/89204367130 Meeting ID: 848 9813 8649 Passcode: 467677 Smart NFC implantable optogenetic neuromodulator for frontier neuroscience research Abstract: Optogenetics is a powerful and well-established neuromodulating technique that uses light to manipulate the genetically modified light-sensitive neuron cells in-vivo. Its versatility has been extensively exploited in the understanding of causal neuronal modulation that leads to behavior modulation in free behaving animal models. However, the study of behavioral paradigms that involve social groups is limited with traditional optogenetic neurotechnologies, such as optical fibers. The recent advancements in wireless, battery-free subdermal optogenetics implants offer novel solutions to interface with small animal models in naturalistic environments and without the encumbrances of heavy headsets or physical tethers. In this context, I present a novel subdermal battery-free active optogenetic neurostimulator that promises to narrow the gap between frontier neuroscience research and current technological limitations. This technology leverages wireless power transfer, employs standardized near field communication protocols, and use low-cost electronic and optoelectronic components, all synergistically integrated with the supportive control software and hardware, to produce powerful and robust minimally invasive all-wireless subdermal devices with unprecedented capabilities not feasible with neither state-of-the-art wireless optogenetics devices nor fiber optics implants. For example, social engagement involves neuronal synchrony of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex previously documented in pairs of mammal models, such as rats or bats. In this talk I show evidence that synchronized optogenetic stimulation using our implantable devices drive social interaction in groups of up to three mice sharing same experimental enclosure. This demonstration validates the robustness of our smart optogenetics devices that have the potential to facilitate frontier research in neuroscience. Bio: Abraham Vázquez-Guardado received his B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering from the Autonomous University of Nayarit in 2007, his MS in Optics from the National Institute for Astrophysics Optics and Electronics in 2012 and his PhD in Optics and Photonics from the College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL) in the University of Central Florida in 2018. During his PhD he developed theoretical modeling to understand fundamental light-matter interaction in cavity-coupled plasmonic systems that led to contributions in the field of multi resonant systems and superchiral light generation. He also developed plasmonic biosensors for the detection of biomolecules and biomarkers from biological fluids, such as blood. During his postdoctoral training at Northwestern University he currently develops implantable NFC and Bluetooth wireless, battery-free, devices for biomedical and neuroscience applications, which include implantable oximeters, closed-loop control in biological and behavioral models in vivo, wireless electronic/optoelectronic optogenetic stimulators and optical sensors, implantable medical devices, etc. His has published articles in elite journals such as Nature, Physical Review Letters, Nano Letters, PNAS, etc. Host: Professor Changhuei Yang Tanya Owen | Options Manager | Electrical Engineering | Caltech | 1200 E. California Blvd., M/C 136-93 | Pasadena, CA 91125 | [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> | Tel: 626.395-8817 | www.ee.caltech.edu<http://www.ee.caltech.edu>
