# Wireless, implantable optofluidic systems for programmed pharmacology and optogenetics

> **NIH NIH R42** · NEUROLUX, INC. · 2020 · $663,443

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Neuroscience research over the last decade has been revolutionized by many technological advancements.
Pharmacology and optogenetics represent two distinct, and sometimes complementary tools used in
neuroscience research to study the central and peripheral nervous systems in the context of the BRAIN initiative.
Advanced interrogations of underlying neural circuits and biology are often frustrated, however, by technological
limitations that prevent the use of these approaches to study natural behaviors of untethered, freely moving
animals. Traditional fiber-optic cable for optogenetics and bulky metal cannulas connected with external
mechanical pumps for pharmacology impart significant damage to fragile neural tissue, limit the natural behavior
of freely moving animals, affect social interactions and movements in complex, naturalistic 3D environment, and
lead to persistent irritation at the biotic/abiotic interface due to mechanical mismatch and micromotions. These
drawbacks, together with the costly setup, of current technologies motivate the development of innovative
engineering designs to improve fidelity, operational ease, versatility and range of advanced brain research
studies with live animal models.
Our work during Phase I developed an integrated, wireless platform that combines capabilities in programmable
pharmacology via soft μ-fluidic channels and optogenetics through an implantable μ-scale inorganic light emitting
diodes (μ-ILEDs). The proposed work for Phase II focuses on translational engineering research to refine the
device designs and to develop a low-cost, mass-manufacturing process. Specifically, the proposed work will (1)
establish device designs, and manufacturing process for low-cost, outsourced production, (2) expand the
functionality for directly interfacing with peripheral nerve and spinal cord, and (3) develop advanced capabilities
in power harvesting, modulation, and control, and broaden the impact on neuroscience research. This work will
yield a broadly useful, low-cost, wireless platforms for programmable pharmacology and optogenetics in various
contexts of essential relevance to the BRAIN initiative.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9924689
- **Project number:** 5R42MH116525-03
- **Recipient organization:** NEUROLUX, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Roozbeh Ghaffari
- **Activity code:** R42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $663,443
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-20 → 2022-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9924689

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9924689, Wireless, implantable optofluidic systems for programmed pharmacology and optogenetics (5R42MH116525-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9924689. Licensed CC0.

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