NeurophotonicsDeeper

DEEPER (Deep Brain Photonic Tools for Cell-Type Specific Targeting of Neural Diseases) brings technology, neuroscience and clinical experts together with innovative companies to develop photonic tools for imaging and manipulating neuronal activity in deep brain regions.

The project's long-term vision is to exploit photonics to reveal molecular and cellular dysfunctions underlying the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. We aim to develop less invasive and more effective treatments of disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and schizophrenia.

Multi-Functional Neural Probes

We are microfabricating Si probes incorporating µLEDs (multiple wavelengths) and µ-electrodes (a). This allows spatiotemporal, optogenetic control while monitoring neural activity via electrophysiology. The probes integrate with a wireless system (b) that provides stimulation and recordings in a lightweight package suitable for freely-behaving mouse experiments.

DEEPER is a research project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation actions (RIA) scheme under grant agreement no. 101016787.