FBS Colloquia No.174Nanobiophotonics Group

Laser-induced perturbation into living neuronal networks

Neurons in the brain form highly complex networks and operate via spatio-temporal patterns of neuronal spikes. To realize artificial control of functional connections in neuronal networks, we propose and demonstrate laser-induced perturbation into living neuronal networks. As one of approaches, we demonstrate laser-induced perturbation into synaptic vesicles or signaling molecules on neuronal cells with optical tweezers. Moreover, direct cutting of neuronal networks and stimulation of single neurons have been achieved with a focused femtosecond laser. These approaches have potential to modulate cellular functions without application of any drugs and genes.