# Massively Parallel Optoacoustic Retinal Stimulation at Micrometer-Resolution

> **NIH NIH R21** · BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) · 2024 · $207,650

## Abstract

Project Summary
 Retinal degenerative diseases are the leading cause of irreversible vision loss. There is no approved medical
intervention that could cure or reverse the courses of retinal degenerative diseases. Retina prosthesis are
implantable devices designed to stimulate sensation of vision in the eyes of individuals with these significant
conditions. Yet, due to the current spreading, resolution and pixel density are limited in the existing electrical
based devices. New technologies and methods are still being sought for precise and non-genetic implantable
retinal stimulation with an improved pixel density. In this application, we aim to develop an optoacoustic micro-
lens array (OAA). This array can generate a desired pattern of focus ultrasound for massively parallel retinal
stimulation with a focus size of 40-50 microns and pixel density up to 178 pixels per mm2. Such ultra-high spatial
precision, variable penetration and massive parallel capabilities enabled our focused optoacoustic technology
while incorporated in the soft implant design will offer clear advantages over existing methods. A multi-
disciplinary team with complementary expertise is assembled to perform the proposed activities. Prof. Chen
Yang (PI) is an expert in nanomaterials and development of new neural interface for modulation and
regeneration. Prof. Fried (Co-I, Mass General Hospital/Harvard Medical School) has considerable expertise
studying the responses of retinal and other CNS neurons to electric, magnetic, and other forms of artificial
stimulation. Prof. Ji-Xin Cheng (collaborator) is an expert in label-free chemical imaging and photoacoustic
devices. Our team has pioneered ultra-high precision optoacoustic neuromodulation. We have successfully
shown the retina can directly be stimulated by optoacoustic. These feasibility data led to our central hypothesis
that via the design of the optoacoustic lens arrays, optoacoustic is able to deliver massively parallel retinal
stimulation at an unprecedented 50 micro-meter spatial precision, serving a foundation for retinal prothesis. To
test this central hypothesis, the following specific aims are proposed. In Aim 1, we will demonstrate direct retinal
stimulation of four subtypes alpha RGC at micrometer-resolution by TFOE validated by patch clamp. In Aim 2,
we will demonstrate massively parallel retinal stimulation at micrometer resolution by OAA using multi-electron
array measurements. These efforts are expected to generate an implant design offering massively parallel and
high precision optoacoustic stimulation as genetics-free retinal prosthesis with translational potential to human.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10916519
- **Project number:** 5R21EY035437-02
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS)
- **Principal Investigator:** Chen Yang
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $207,650
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-01 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10916519

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10916519, Massively Parallel Optoacoustic Retinal Stimulation at Micrometer-Resolution (5R21EY035437-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10916519. Licensed CC0.

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