Parallel and patterned optogenetic manipulation of neurons in the brain slice using a DMD-based projector

Optical manipulation technologies greatly advanced the understanding of the neuronal network and its dysfunctions. To achieve patterned and parallel optical switching, we developed a microscopic illumination system using a commercial DMD-based projector and a software program. The spatiotemporal patterning of the system was evaluated using acute slices of the hippocampus. The neural activity was optically manipulated, positively by the combination of channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) and blue light, and negatively by the combination of archaerhodopsin-T (ArchT) and green light. It is suggested that our projector-managing optical system (PMOS) would effectively facilitate the optogenetic analyses of neurons and their circuits.

► We developed a microscopic illumination system using a commercial DMD-projector. ► Parallel patterned photosimulation was achieved by our illumination system. ► Spatial resolution was enough high to differentiate individual neurons in a slice. ► The firing of a ChR2-expressing neuron was manipulated with various patterns. ► The ArchT-expressing neurons were silenced by green light.