Wireless closed-loop optogenetics across the entire dorsoventral spinal cord in mice

Abstract

Optoelectronic systems can exert precise control over targeted neurons and pathways throughout the brain in untethered animals, but similar technologies for the spinal cord are not well established. Here, we describe a novel system for ultrafast, wireless, closed-loop manipulation of targeted neurons and pathways across the entire dorsoventral spinal cord in untethered mice. We developed a soft stretchable carrier integrating micro-LEDs that conforms to the dura matter of the spinal cord. A coating of silicone-phosphor matrix over the micro-LEDs provides mechanical protection and light conversion for compatibility with the large library of opsins. A lightweight, head-mounted wireless platform powers the micro-LEDs and performs low-latency on-chip processing of sensed physiological signals to control photostimulation in a closed-loop. We use the device to reveal the role of various neuronal subtypes, sensory pathways and supraspinal projections in the control of locomotion in healthy and spinal-cord injured mice.