PHYSIOLOGICALLY RESPONSIVE MECHANICALLY ADAPTIVE POLYMER OPTICAL FIBERS, PRODUCTION AND METHODS OF USE

摘要

Physiologically responsive mechanically adaptive optical fibers that are suitable for optical interfacing with living organisms. The optical fibers are particularly suited for applications in optogenetics. Dry, stiff fibers display a desirable tensile storage modulus and can be readily inserted into biological and in particular cortical tissue. Exposure to conditions encountered in vivo results in reduction, often a drastic reduction in modulus. When coupled with a suitable light source, the construction can be utilized to stimulate neurons in vivo. Methods for producing and utilizing the optical fibers and devices including the optical fibers are disclosed.

主权项

1. A physiologically responsive mechanically adaptive optical fiber, comprising: a largely amorphous polymer, the fiber having a length, wherein light can be transmitted along the length of the fiber, wherein the fiber has a first stiffness before exposure to conditions encountered in vivo, and upon exposure to conditions encountered in vivo the fiber exhibits a second stiffness lower than the first stiffness.