# Dissemination of a fiber-based optoacoustic neurostimulation device

> **NIH NIH R01** · BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) · 2022 · $149,320

## Abstract

Project Summary
 This administrative supplement for parent R01 NS1097914 (9/30/2018 to 6/30/2023), titled “Unveiling the
mechanisms of ultrasound neuromodulation via spatially confined stimulation and temporally resolved recording”,
aims at a small dissemination of a fiber optoacoustic emitter that allows ultrasound neuromodulation at ultrahigh
special precision. The parental grant aims to perform a systematic analysis of the cellular and biophysical
mechanisms of ultrasound stimulation at sub-cellular level, in cultured primary neurons and in different brain
regions of awake mice, through development of novel technologies. Under support of the parental R01, the PI
and coworkers developed a miniature fiber optoacoustic emitter (FOE) that delivers localized ultrasound with an
unprecedented sub-millimeter spatial resolution. This technical advancement has enabled a deeper
understanding of the mechanisms underlying acoustic stimulation. By applying FOE to mouse brain, direct
acoustic stimulation of cortex neurons without involvement of cochlear pathway was demonstrated. Moreover,
by harnessing a tapered FOE for stimulation at single neuron level, it was found that the excitatory neurons and
inhibitory neurons have different thresholds in response to FOE stimulation. Both the membrane-deformation
related fast physical response and a channel-related slow response are revealed. The proposed dissemination
aims to bring FOEs to a broad spectrum of neuronal systems, including mouse cortex, monkey cortex, corneal
neurons, and mouse central thalamus. Based on the need for novel neuromodulation technology, we have
identified a small cohort of end-users. For delivery, we will assemble all the components into a compact and
portable fiber optoacoustic modulation unit. Training will take a two-step approach. First, we will invite
students/postdoctoral fellows in the end-users’ lab to the PI’s lab to directly visualize the demonstration of our
neuromodulation device. We will then deliver the complete system and send one graduate student to the end
users’ lab to carry out a hands-on training. Considering the different needs in end-users’ laboratory, we will take
an individualized evaluation plan to maximize the potential of our device. Evaluation will be performed through
meetings with end users and documented as evaluation reports at pre-, post-training, mid-term, and end of the
project period. Specifically, our team will measure the pre- and post-training confidence level of skills/knowledge
regarding use of the resource. The end users will quantitatively evaluate the benefits of the technology/resource
over other options. Through development of alternative approaches, our team will address potential hurdles
when integrating FOE with the recording technology in end user’s lab. It is expected that dissemination of the
FOE technology not only will broaden the understanding of acoustic neuromodulation mechanism, but also will
initiate and/or facilitate long-term co...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10478421
- **Project number:** 3R01NS109794-05S1
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS)
- **Principal Investigator:** Ji-Xin Cheng
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $149,320
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2018-09-30 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10478421

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10478421, Dissemination of a fiber-based optoacoustic neurostimulation device (3R01NS109794-05S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-11 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10478421. Licensed CC0.

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