Emerging Applications of Optical Fiber-Based Devices for Brain Research

Abstract

Research in neuroscience and neuroengineering has attracted tremendous interest in the past decades. However, the complexity of the brain tissue, in terms of its structural, chemical, mechanical, and optical properties, makes the interrogation of biophysical and biochemical signals within the brain of living animals extremely challenging. As a viable and versatile tool for brain studies, optical fiber based technologies have provided exceptional opportunities to unravel the mysteries of the brain and open the door for clinical applications in the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of neurological diseases. Typically, optical fibers with diameters from 10 to 1000 μm are capable of guiding and delivering light to deep levels of the living tissue. Moreover, small dimensions of such devices along with their flexibility and light weight paved the way for understanding the complex behaviours of living and freely moving mammals. This article provides a review of the emerging applications of optical fibers in neuroscience, specifically in the mammalian brain. Representative utilities, including optogenetics, fluorescence sensing, drug administration and phototherapy, are highlighted. We also discuss other biological applications of such implantable fibers, which may provide insights into the future study of brain. It is envisioned that these and other optical fiber based techniques offer a powerful platform for multi-functional neural activity sensing and modulation.